Arya’s Blazing Century Sets the Stage for PBKS’ First Home Win of IPL 2025
Arya’s Blazing Century Sets the Stage for PBKS’ First Home Win of IPL 2025
New Chandigarh, April 8, 2025
Under the dazzling lights of the newly built PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Punjab Kings (PBKS) registered a thrilling 18-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 22 of the TATA IPL 2025. It was a night to remember for the home crowd, thanks to an explosive hundred from young Priyansh Arya and a gutsy team effort with the ball to outclass the five-time champions.
Arya’s Redemption Arc Lights Up Chandigarh
After falling for a golden duck in his previous outing, Arya had a point to prove—and he wasted no time. Facing Khaleel Ahmed’s very first delivery, Arya launched a six straight over the ropes, becoming only the fourth batter in IPL history to start a match with a maximum.
What followed was pure chaos and carnage. A dropped catch, a no-ball, and a cracking free-hit boundary—all in the first over—signaled the tone for the innings. Despite losing Prabhsimran Singh and captain Shreyas Iyer early, Arya kept counterattacking, racing to his fifty in just 19 balls.
Though CSK clawed back briefly with a double strike from veteran off-spinner R. Ashwin, Arya refused to slow down. Alongside Shashank Singh, he launched a brutal assault on Ashwin and Pathirana, reaching his maiden IPL century in just 39 balls—making it the fastest ever by an uncapped player in IPL history and joint fourth-fastest overall.
He eventually departed for a jaw-dropping 103 off 42, but the late surge from Shashank (52* off 36) and Marco Jansen (34* off 19) powered PBKS to 219/6—the highest total ever recorded at this ground in IPL history.
CSK’s Chase Falls Short Despite Brave Resistance
Chasing a daunting 220, CSK began steadily with the Kiwi pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra adding 59 runs in the powerplay. However, Glenn Maxwell and Lockie Ferguson turned the tide with quick wickets, including that of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Shivam Dube, introduced as the impact sub, stitched an 89-run stand with Conway, rebuilding the innings and keeping CSK in the hunt. But Ferguson’s slower ball once again did the trick, removing Dube and putting pressure back on the visitors.
In a bold tactical move, Conway (who had crossed 50) was retired out, bringing in Jadeja to finish the game. With Dhoni joining him, the chase reignited—Mahi rolled back the years with two sixes off Ferguson and followed it up with more fireworks off Arshdeep Singh. The equation came down to 28 off the final over.
But PBKS pacer Yash Thakur struck gold with the very first delivery, dismissing Dhoni and dashing CSK’s hopes. Jadeja hit a six later, but it was too little too late.
PBKS Seal Their First Home Win of the Season
This win was a big morale booster for Punjab Kings, not just because it came against a high-profile opponent like CSK, but also because it marked their first victory at their new home ground this season.
With young guns like Priyansh Arya stepping up and the bowling unit holding its own in crunch moments, PBKS seem to be building momentum at the right time.
Match Summary
PBKS – 219/6 (Priyansh Arya 103, Shashank Singh 52*, Marco Jansen 34*)
CSK – 201/6 (Shivam Dube 48, Devon Conway 50*, Lockie Ferguson 2/39)
Result – Punjab Kings won by 18 runs
