source : BCCI
Punjab Kings pulled off a thrilling 18-run win over Chennai Super Kings in New Chandigarh, thanks to a blistering century by 24-year-old Priyansh Arya. The uncapped youngster lit up the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium with a 42-ball 103, marking the fastest IPL hundred by an uncapped Indian. His fearless strokeplay overshadowed early wickets and gave PBKS a strong platform as they posted a mammoth 219/6.
Despite a rocky start, Arya dominated the middle overs with nine sixes and seven boundaries, punishing CSK’s bowlers and capitalizing on fielding lapses. He was dropped twice during his knock, but made the most of those chances, reaching his ton with a flurry of sixes off Matheesha Pathirana. After his dismissal, Shashank Singh (52*) and Marco Jansen (34*) carried the momentum forward, adding 65 crucial runs in the death overs.
CSK, in reply, began well with Conway and Rachin Ravindra adding 59 runs in the powerplay. Devon Conway led the charge with a well-paced 69 before retiring out, leaving the chase in the hands of MS Dhoni and Jadeja. However, the required rate climbed, and CSK’s inability to capitalize on key moments continued. Dhoni’s late sixes gave fans hope, but a tidy final over by Yash Thakur sealed PBKS’ win.
Fielding proved to be CSK’s biggest nemesis. Five dropped catches, including two off Arya, cost them dearly. While Shivam Dube and Conway kept CSK in the hunt, the loss of momentum in the middle overs and Dhoni’s dismissal in the final over tilted the contest in Punjab’s favor. Ferguson’s 2 for 40 was a bright spot, but it wasn’t enough to defend their poor effort in the field.
This victory marks PBKS’ third win in four games, while CSK now face pressure with four consecutive losses. For PBKS, Priyansh Arya has become the breakout star of the season, while CSK will need to regroup quickly as they continue to chase their first win in a high-scoring season.
