Rohit - Tuesday, Apr 08, 2025The IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 8, 2025, delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, with Punjab inching towards a hard-fought victory. Played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, this match showcased Punjab’s resilience and exposed CSK’s ongoing struggles. Here’s how it all unfolded in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Punjab Kings, led by the steady Shreyas Iyer, came into this game with a point to prove after a narrow loss to Rajasthan Royals. Opting to bat first, they posted a formidable 219/6, thanks to a blazing century from rookie Priyansh Arya (103 off 42) and a late flourish by Shashank Singh (50*). CSK’s bowlers, despite early breakthroughs, couldn’t stem the flow of runs, setting up a steep chase that would test their shaky batting lineup.
Chennai Super Kings, reeling from three consecutive defeats while chasing, faced a stern test. The top order, already under scrutiny with Ruturaj Gaikwad dropping from his preferred opening slot, showed flickers of promise. Devon Conway anchored the innings with a gritty 69, but the chase kept slipping away. Shivam Dube’s departure for 42, courtesy of Lockie Ferguson’s pinpoint accuracy, brought the crowd to its feet as MS Dhoni strode in at 152/4 with 68 runs needed off 24 balls.
The stadium erupted. Thala was here, and hope flickered anew. Dhoni wasted no time, smashing Arshdeep Singh for a four and a six in the 19th over. CSK needed 28 off the final over, and if anyone could pull off a miracle, it was him. But Punjab’s Yash Thakur had other plans. In a nervy finish, Thakur dismissed Dhoni for 27 off 12 balls, ending CSK’s fight at 201/6—18 runs short of the target.
Punjab Kings walked away with a well-deserved win, their balance and boldness pushing them closer to the IPL 2025 playoffs conversation. For CSK, this loss stings—a fourth straight defeat that underscores deeper issues. Dhoni’s late fireworks lit up the night, but it’s clear Chennai needs more than Thala magic to turn their season around.
Final Score: PBKS 219/6 def. CSK 201/6 by 18 runs.
Big win for Punjab Kings as they moved into the top four in the standings with this victory. They are now at 4th spot with six points and a net run rate of +0.289. PBKS are one of the five teams with six points in the standings.
CSK suffered their fourth successive defeat, losing another run chase.
Needing 28 off the last over, it was always a tough task but the loss of MS Dhoni off the first delivery made it tougher. Ravindra Jadeja (9*) hit a six but Yash Thakur bowled a good one, conceding just nine runs in it.
