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PBKS Eliminate CSK from IPL 2025 Playoff Race with Thrilling Four-Wicket Win
Punjab Kings Climb to Second Place as Chennai Super Kings Suffer Eighth Defeat
In a high-octane clash in IPL 2025, Punjab Kings delivered a knockout punch to Chennai Super Kings’ playoff hopes, chasing down 191 in the final over to secure a dramatic four-wicket win. This defeat marks CSK’s eighth loss in ten games, making them the first team officially out of playoff contention this season.
Despite a powerful 88 from Sam Curran, CSK couldn’t defend a competitive total of 190 as Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh’s masterful partnership guided PBKS through a tricky middle phase. With the win, PBKS surged to the second spot in the points table, keeping their qualification hopes alive and strong.
First Innings: CSK’s Inconsistent Innings Ends with 190 on the Board
Early Struggles in the Powerplay
CSK’s innings began on a shaky note after being put in to bat on a sluggish pitch. Their young openers, Shiak Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre, fell quickly while trying to accelerate early against tight seam bowling. Ravindra Jadeja, promoted up the order, offered a brief glimmer of hope with three boundaries off Harpreet Brar, but the spinner had his revenge in the same over by dismissing Jadeja through a sharp catch behind the stumps.
By the end of the powerplay, CSK found themselves at a precarious 48/3, with the pressure mounting on the middle order.
Curran and Brevis Stabilize in the Middle Overs
The partnership between Sam Curran and Dewald Brevis brought much-needed stability and aggression to CSK’s innings. Together, they added 78 runs for the fourth wicket, taking on Punjab’s spinners—particularly targeting Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar.
Curran led the charge with his innovative strokeplay, reaching his fifty and pushing CSK to a solid position ahead of the death overs. Their aggressive yet calculated batting helped CSK gather 86 runs in the middle overs, bringing momentum to the innings.
Chahal’s Hat-Trick Rocks CSK in the Death Overs
Just as CSK were eyeing a finish around 200+, Yuzvendra Chahal turned the game with a stunning hat-trick in the penultimate over. After being hit for a six by MS Dhoni, Chahal dismissed the veteran and followed it up with two more scalps to complete his second IPL hat-trick.
Before that twist, Curran had already scored 26 off one over from Suryansh Shedge, appearing set for a century. But his dismissal for a brilliant 88 off 47 balls slowed CSK’s charge, and the team eventually folded for 190.
Second Innings: PBKS Keep Cool to Chase Down the Target
Aggressive Start in the Powerplay
Punjab Kings began their chase in typical fashion, with openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh opting for an aggressive approach. Arya, in particular, looked fluent, collecting boundaries early and taking on Khaleel Ahmed. Though Arya departed for a brisk 28, PBKS had already kept pace with the required rate, ending the powerplay at 51/1.
Iyer and Prabhsimran’s 72-Run Stand Breaks CSK’s Backbone
The defining moment of PBKS’s chase came during the middle overs with an authoritative 72-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh. Dew was visibly aiding the batters, and CSK’s spinners—Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad—couldn’t create any breakthroughs.
Prabhsimran raced to a 32-ball fifty before falling to Noor Ahmad. However, Iyer picked up the baton and struck timely boundaries, including a 15-run over off Sam Curran, keeping Punjab in the driver’s seat.
Read more about Shreyas Iyer’s IPL stats here.
Death Overs Drama: PBKS Hold Nerve to Finish the Chase
Needing 52 from the last five overs, Punjab showed composure despite losing a couple of wickets late. Iyer’s fireworks against Pathirana in the 17th over shifted the momentum firmly in PBKS’s favor. Shashank Singh also contributed vital runs before getting dismissed.
Though Iyer was dismissed just three runs short of the target, PBKS sealed the match with two balls to spare, moving to second in the IPL 2025 points table and sending CSK packing.
Match Summary
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): 190 all out in 19.5 overs (Sam Curran 88, Dewald Brevis 33; Yuzvendra Chahal 4/32)
Punjab Kings (PBKS): 194/6 in 19.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 72, Prabhsimran Singh 54)
Result: Punjab Kings won by 4 wickets
What’s Next for Both Teams?
CSK’s final few games now become inconsequential in terms of playoffs but crucial for young players to gain experience. Their next assignment is an away clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 3.
Punjab Kings will host Lucknow Super Giants in Dharamsala on May 4, a fixture that could be vital in shaping the top four of the IPL 2025 season.
Read our in-depth analysis of the IPL 2025 Points Table.
