CSK vs PBKS IPL 2025
CSK vs PBKS IPL 2025 Highlights: Chahal’s Hat-Trick & Iyer’s 72 Seal Punjab Kings’ 4-Wicket Win!
Fans witnessed an exciting match between Chennai Super King (CSK) while Punjab Kings (PBKS), two IPL powerhouses, on April 30, 2025, at Chennai’s storied MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK put up a respectable total in this thrilling Match 49, but PBKS overcame it with their spinner’s game-winning performance and outstanding batting. Yuzvendra Chahal’s incredible hat-trick, Sam Curran’s exploding 88, while Shreyas Iyer’s cool-headed 72 in the chase all contributed to PBKS’ victory by four wickets. We examine the major events, memorable moments, and outstanding performances that shaped this titanic battle in detail below.
Table of Highlights
| Performance | Player | Figures/Stats | Overs/Balls |
| Top Scorer (CSK) | Sam Curran | 88 runs | 47 balls |
| Top Bowler (PBKS) | Yuzvendra Chahal | 4 wickets for 32 runs | 3 overs |
| Hat-trick | Yuzvendra Chahal | 3 wickets in an over | 19th over |
| Top Scorer (PBKS) | Shreyas Iyer | 72 runs | 41 balls |
| Supporting Batter (PBKS) | Prabhsimran Singh | 54 runs | 36 balls |
| Final Score (CSK) | Chennai Super Kings | 190 all out | 19.2 overs |
| Final Score (PBKS) | Punjab Kings | 194 for 6 | 19.4 overs |
| Result | PBKS beat CSK by 4 wickets |
The Stage: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
CSK’s stronghold is the MA Chidambaram Stadium, also referred to as Chepauk. The stadium, which can accommodate about 38,000 spectators, has played host to many iconic IPL moments. The pitch provided a fair sport of bat and ball on this warm April evening. Fast bowlers were able to obtain movement early on due to the surface’s sufficient pace, which is typically favorable for spin. Although dew wasn’t a big issue, it always presents a problem for captains during night games in Chennai.
Toss and Decision
Shikhar Dhawan, the captain of the Punjab Kings, chose to field first after winning the toss. He hoped the other team’s total would be easily chaseable under the lights and backed his bowlers to take advantage of any early seam movement. MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings gladly sent out Sam Curran or Ruturaj Gaikwad to open the batting.
First Innings: Chennai Super Kings Batting
Early on, CSK’s choice to bat first paid off. In outstanding form, Sam Curran attacked the bowlers for the Punjab Kings. He hit nine fours and four soaring sixes in his brief appearance of 88 runs off just 47 balls. PBKS had a controlled opening period thanks to Michael Bracewell’s medium pace, but Curran’s timing and strength were too much. He showed off his daring strokeplay to the stadium as he sped to his fifty in thirty-one balls. CSK appeared destined to surpass 200 runs as he entered the 80s.
But Yuzvendra Chahal, a spinner for the PBKS, had other plans. The leg-spinner used turn or bounce across the Chepauk surface to trick Curran with drift and flight. Captain MS Dhoni was brought to the crease when Curran finally fell in the seventeenth over. Dhoni attempted to end the innings with lustful blows as usual, but Chahal’s magic stopped CSK’s momentum.
CSK Inning Breakdown:
- Powerplay (Overs 1-6): 45/1 (1 wicket: Gaikwad)
- Middle Overs (7-15): 85/2 (Durations included Curran’s 88)
- Death Overs (16-20): 60/7 (Chahal’s 4-for)
Chahal’s game-changing performance occurred in the 19th over, when he took four wickets in his three overs for a mere 32 runs. After Moeen Ali was dismissed at the start of the over, Sam Curran, Shivam Dube, or MS Dhoni all took wickets in quick succession. After taking four wickets, including an incredible hat-trick, CSK was bowled out for 190.
Yuzvendra Chahal’s Hat-trick
Chahal delivered the over of dreams. The first wicket was a classic leg-spin beauty, turning sharply to breach Moeen Ali’s defense. The second and third deliveries were full tosses that Ali was tempted to play, resulting in bowled and lbw, respectively. The hat-trick came when Chahal flighted one outside the off stump, inducing a drive that ended in a simple catch. His figures—4 for 32—were the best of the match and earned him the Player of the Match award. “no follow”
Second Innings: Punjab Kings Chase 191
Chasing 191, Punjab Kings were in confident hands. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh made a solid start, putting together a 60-run partnership. Dhawan fell for 30 in the 7th over, but Prabhsimran kept the scoreboard ticking. He reached his fifty in 32 balls, showcasing his aggressive style with crisp drives and aerial strokes.
Key Partnership: Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer
After Dhawan’s departure, Shreyas Iyer joined Prabhsimran at the crease. The duo complemented each other perfectly: Prabhsimran’s finesse and Iyer’s calculated aggression. Together, they took the total from 60 to 150, easing the pressure on PBKS.
- Prabhsimran Singh: 54 off 36 (6 fours, 2 sixes)
- Shreyas Iyer: 72 off 41 (5 fours, 4 sixes)
Prabhsimran’s dismissal at 150 brought Shahrukh Khan to the crease briefly before Iyer, running out of partners, single-handedly guided PBKS home in the 20th over.
Shreyas Iyer’s Match-winning Knock
Iyer’s innings was a masterclass in chase dynamics. He started cautiously, rotating strike between gaps to assess the dimensions of the Chepauk outfield. As he grew in confidence, Iyer unleashed his trademark lofted drives and pull shots. The crucial moment came in the 17th over when Chennai came back with two quick wickets, reducing PBKS to 160 for 5.
Faced with a tense situation, Iyer took responsibility. He smashed a vital six over mid-wicket off a Dwayne Bravo delivery, followed by a boundary through cover. With only 20 runs needed off 15 balls, Iyer maintained his composure. Finally, a lofted drive over long-on sealed victory for Punjab Kings.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Sam Curran’s Explosive Start: His 88 laid the foundation for a big CSK total.
- Chahal’s Hat-trick: Four wickets in the 19th over turned the game on its head.
- Prabhsimran-Iyer Partnership: Their 90-run stand shifted momentum firmly to PBKS.
- Iyer’s Finishing Touch: His calm approach under pressure epitomized his quality.
Impact on League Standings
There was more to Punjab Kings’ victory than just two important points. It improved the team’s morale and net run rate, which were crucial in the narrow margins for IPL playoff qualification. The defeat served as a wake-up call for the Chennai Super Kings. CSK’s death bowling continued to be an issue despite Curran’s fireworks, or Dhoni will surely address this in the matches to come.
Player of the Match: Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal’s hat-trick proved to be the deciding factor, despite Iyer’s brilliant chase. His 4 for 32 helped PBKS’ bowling attack gain confidence while also limiting CSK’s total. In a competition where spinners frequently decide games, Chahal’s performance confirmed that he is one of the best leg-spinners in T20 cricket.
What This Means for PBKS
Despite their history of inconsistency, the Punjab Kings appear to be improving in the 2025 IPL. They appear ready to compete with the best teams now that match-winners such as Iyer and Chahal are playing well. PBKS has a chance to go far in the playoffs if their bowling unit can support their batting.
What This Means for CSK
Persistent contenders Chennai Super Kings will benefit from Curran’s performance, but they need to improve their bowling in the final overs. In an effort to get back on track, they may be planning to bring back seasoned bowlers and make squad changes.
Looking Ahead
Before their upcoming games, neither team will have much time to think. In Jaipur, when spin-friendly conditions can benefit their bowling arsenal, PBKS takes on the Rajasthan Royals. In contrast, CSK will play the Capitals in Delhi, which will be a tough test of their flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The match between CSK and PBKS on April 30 was a quintessential IPL thriller. A thrilling chase, a masterclass in spin bowling, or a high-scoring start made it whatever a fan could want. Chennai supporters thought back on what could have been as Punjab Kings celebrated. One match, however, is never the whole story in a competition as captivating as the IPL. Each one adds new heroes and memorable moments as the journey progresses.
Cricket is ultimately about moments, like Sam Curran’s 88, Chahal’s hat-trick, and Iyer’s chase, when they combine to produce an exciting whole. More tales on the field await us in the upcoming IPL 2025 season.
