CSK's Playoff Hopes Dashed as Chahal and Iyer Shine for PBKS

In a nail-biting match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Punjab Kings (PBKS) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets in a heart-stopping last over, ending CSK's playoff hopes in the IPL 2025 on Wednesday.

An illustrious fifty from Shreyas Iyer, coupled with a staggering hat-trick for Yuzvendra Chahal in the 19th over, steered PBKS towards an enthralling triumph following Sam Curran having opened up proceedings in their favour earlier with a fierce 88.

CSK, who were requested to bat first, were driven by a dazzling knock by Sam Curran, who made 88 from 47 balls, with 9 boundaries, 4 sixes, and just 10 dot balls. Curran's attacking batting in challenging conditions provided a strong platform for CSK. His rampage against part-timer Suryansh Shedge in the 16th over, which produced 26 runs, changed the momentum in CSK's direction.

But PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer's strategic decision to reserve Chahal for the finish proved to be the game-changer.

Chahal was brought back in the 19th over, after bowling only two overs so far. With MS Dhoni facing him, renowned for his problem against leg-spin, Iyer gave the ball to Chahal. While Dhoni played a six from the first lawful delivery, he got out on the next very ball. That was followed by a dramatic hat-trick — Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad all got out in rapid succession, and CSK collapsed from 185/5 to 190 all out, losing five wickets for a mere six runs in seven balls.

Chasing 192, PBKS began aggressively. Prabhsimran Singh showed his whole gamut early on, smacking a flat six over long-on and a cheeky scoop past short fine leg. Though Priyansh Arya was caught by a sharp bouncer off Khaleel Ahmed, PBKS were at 44/1 when the powerplay ended.

Prabhsimran's strategy was a combination of aggression and elegance. He disciplined Noor Ahmad for a four with a paddle sweep, followed by taking the boundary with a six in the ninth over. He completed his second successive fifty in 31 balls, but was caught off Noor's miscued shot at deep midwicket after scoring 54. PBKS were then 116/2 after 13 overs, still requiring 75 from 42 balls.

Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, was constructing his innings steadily. He had 29 off 25 when Prabhsimran got out but soon changed gears. He pulled a six over long-on off Sam Curran and a classy boundary through cover, scoring his fifty off 32 balls. Iyer was in complete command.

Pathirana's 17th over was when Iyer was at his creative best — he dispatched a slot ball for a six over long-on, then a wristy whip over wide long-on, and a gentle open-faced shot through the offside. At the end of the over, PBKS were cruising at 175/3, needing only 17 from 18 balls.

Shashank Singh added 23 off 12 balls with two sixes in a cameo. He was, though, treated to a highlight of the match when Dewald Brevis made one of the season's best catches to send him back. Running along the deep midwicket boundary, Brevis juggled the ball once before twice and then finished an outrageous relay catch.

Though PBKS needed just three runs off nine balls, the match took a further dramatic turn. Iyer tried to finish in style but was run out for a fine 72 off 41 balls by a full delivery from Pathirana.

In spite of Curran's brilliance and highlights in the field, CSK's meltdown in the final overs came at a cost. Chahal's incredible four-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, was a turning point of the season, and Iyer's calm but assertive 72 saw PBKS over the line.

Brief scores:

Chennai Super Kings 190 all out in 19.2 overs (Sam Curran 88, Dewald Brevis 32; Yuzvendra Chahal 4-32, Marco Jansen 2-30) were defeated by Punjab Kings 194/6 in 19.4 overs (Shreyas Iyer 72, Prabhsimran Singh 54; Khaleel Ahmed 2-28, Mateesha Pathirana 2-45) by four wickets.