IPL 2025: PBKS vs CSK – Match 22 Review

PKBS vs CSK

Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh

Match 22 of the IPL 2025 saw the Punjab Kings (PBKS) triumph over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 18 runs in a high-scoring affair at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. This victory marked PBKS’s return to winning ways at home, while CSK suffered their fourth consecutive defeat after a promising start to the season.

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur generally offers a balanced surface with assistance for both batsmen and bowlers. While not traditionally a very high-scoring ground, scores around 180-190 are usually competitive. Spinners have historically found some success here, maintaining decent economy rates.

However, in this particular match, the pitch seemed to favor the batsmen more than usual, especially in the first innings. The ball came onto the bat nicely, allowing for aggressive strokeplay. While there were a few dry patches, the surface played consistently throughout the game. The average first innings score at this venue in T20s since 2023 has been around 173.

Key Pitch Characteristics:

Generally Balanced: Offers something for both bat and ball.
Spin Potential: Historically, spinners have been effective.
This Match: Seemed more batting-friendly, particularly in the first innings.
Consistent Bounce: Allowed batsmen to play their shots.

Player Analysis: Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 219/6 (20 overs)

PBKS’s innings was defined by a sensational, record-breaking century from an uncapped youngster and solid contributions from the middle order.

Key Batsmen:

Priyansh Arya (103 off 42 balls): The star of the show. Arya played an extraordinary innings, smashing the fastest century by an uncapped player in IPL history (in just 39 balls). His fearless approach and clean hitting put the CSK bowlers under immense pressure right from the first over. He struck 7 fours and 9 sixes in his blistering knock.
Shashank Singh (52 off 36 balls):* Played a crucial supporting role, anchoring the innings after Arya’s onslaught and ensuring PBKS reached a formidable total. His innings included 2 fours and 3 sixes.
Marco Jansen (34 off 19 balls):* Provided a late flourish with some powerful hitting, adding valuable runs in the final overs (2 fours, 2 sixes).
Shreyas Iyer (9 off 7 balls): The captain had a short but aggressive cameo (1 six) before being dismissed early.
Prabhsimran Singh (0 off 2 balls): Couldn’t replicate his usual aggressive starts and was dismissed cheaply.
Glenn Maxwell (1 off 2 balls): Another big-hitter who failed to make an impact in this game.
Nehal Wadhera (9 off 7 balls): Showed glimpses of his hitting ability (1 six) but was dismissed early.

Key Bowlers:

Lockie Ferguson (2/40 in 4 overs): Picked up two crucial wickets, including the CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the dangerous Shivam Dube, disrupting their chase.
Yash Thakur (1/39 in 4 overs): Bowled the crucial final over and dismissed MS Dhoni, effectively sealing the victory for PBKS.
Glenn Maxwell (1/11 in 2 overs): Provided a breakthrough by dismissing the in-form Rachin Ravindra.
Ravichandran Ashwin (2/48 in 4 overs): Though expensive, Ashwin picked up two important wickets in the middle overs, removing Nehal Wadhera and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession.
Arshdeep Singh (0/39 in 4 overs): Went wicketless but bowled some tight overs in between.
Marco Jansen (0/48 in 4 overs): Was on the expensive side and couldn’t pick up any wickets.

Impact Player: Suryansh Shedge did not bat. Yash Thakur was the impact bowler and delivered in the final over.

Player Analysis: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 201/5 (20 overs)

Despite a strong start and some late fireworks, CSK fell short of the target.

Key Batsmen:

Devon Conway (69 off 49 balls): Anchored the CSK innings with a well-paced half-century, including 6 fours and 2 sixes. He was later retired hurt in a tactical move.
Shivam Dube (42 off 27 balls): Came in as the impact player and provided crucial momentum in the middle overs with 3 fours and 2 sixes.
MS Dhoni (27 off 12 balls): Showed his finishing prowess with a late blitz, hitting 1 four and 3 sixes, but it wasn’t enough in the end.
Rachin Ravindra (36 off 23 balls): Provided an aggressive start at the top with 6 fours.
Ravindra Jadeja (9 off 5 balls):* Hit a late six but couldn’t take CSK over the line.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (1 off 3 balls): The captain had an uncharacteristic early dismissal.
Vijay Shankar (2 off 2 balls):* Came in late and didn’t get much opportunity.

Key Bowlers:

Khaleel Ahmed (2/45 in 4 overs): Picked up two important wickets, including the PBKS captain and Marcus Stoinis, but was also on the expensive side.
Noor Ahmad (1/32 in 3 overs): Dismissed the centurion Priyansh Arya and was relatively economical.
Mukesh Choudhary (1/21 in 2 overs): Provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh.
Ravindra Jadeja (0/18 in 3 overs): Was the most economical bowler for CSK but went wicketless.
Ravichandran Ashwin (0/48 in 4 overs): Was expensive despite picking up two wickets.
Matheesha Pathirana (0/52 in 4 overs): Had a tough day, going wicketless and conceding plenty of runs.

Impact Player: Shivam Dube provided a crucial contribution with the bat. Matheesha Pathirana was the impact bowler but had an expensive outing.

Match Summary

Punjab Kings, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a formidable total of 219/6, largely thanks to Priyansh Arya’s sensational century and valuable contributions from Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen.

In reply, CSK started well with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. However, regular wickets and the pressure of the high target kept mounting. Shivam Dube’s aggressive innings and a late cameo from MS Dhoni kept CSK in the hunt, but Yash Thakur’s dismissal of Dhoni in the final over sealed an 18-run victory for Punjab Kings.

Key Talking Points

Priyansh Arya’s Record Century: His explosive innings was the highlight of the match and set the platform for PBKS’s victory.
CSK’s Fielding Lapses: CSK dropped multiple catches, which proved costly in a high-scoring game.
Tactical Retire Hurt: CSK’s decision to retire Devon Conway hurt raised eyebrows but was likely a strategic move to bring in a power-hitter in Jadeja.
MS Dhoni’s Late Blitz: Despite the loss, Dhoni’s late hitting showed glimpses of his finishing prowess.
PBKS’s Home Win: This victory was crucial for PBKS to improve their home record.
CSK’s Losing Streak: CSK’s fourth consecutive loss is a cause for concern for the five-time champions.

This match was a thrilling encounter filled with explosive batting and dramatic moments, ultimately going in favor of a spirited Punjab Kings side.