Punjab Kings chase down 191 with four wickets in hand at Chepauk

In a dominant all-round display, Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings outclassed Chennai Super Kings in Match 49 of the Indian Premier League 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite a valiant effort from Sam Curran, who delivered a scintillating innings of 88 off just 47 balls, the hosts were bundled out for 190, a total that ultimately proved insufficient against a composed Punjab Kings side.

Curran’s knock, laden with 9 boundaries and 4 towering sixes, was the highlight of the CSK innings. Coming in early after the quick dismissals of Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre, Curran anchored the innings and provided the much-needed impetus in the middle overs. He reached his half-century in just 31 balls and carried on with aggressive intent. His partnership with Dewald Brevis (32 off 26) was instrumental in steadying the ship after a rocky start, as the duo added 78 runs together and pushed the scoring rate upward.

However, just when Chennai appeared poised for a late onslaught, Yuzvendra Chahal turned the tide dramatically. The leg-spinner produced a match-defining spell, claiming four wickets for 32 runs, including a sensational hat-trick. His breakthroughs dismantled the lower middle order, cutting short CSK`s charge towards a 200-plus total. Marco Jansen ably supported Chahal, striking twice and conceding only 30 runs in his disciplined four-over spell, stifling CSK during a crucial phase.

From 172/5 at the end of the 18th over, CSK crumbled under pressure and lost their last five wickets for just 18 runs. Chahal’s hat-trick sucked the momentum out of Chennai’s innings, as the hosts were dismissed with four deliveries still remaining. The lower order’s inability to support Curran meant that his excellent innings did not get the finish it deserved.

Despite putting up a competitive total, CSK`s total lacked the late flourish that could have given them a psychological edge. Punjab’s bowlers, led by Chahal’s brilliance and Jansen’s control, ensured CSK were kept in check throughout the innings. The victory was a testament to PBKS’s disciplined bowling and ability to seize key moments, as they executed their plans with precision and outplayed the five-time champions on their home turf.