In a thrilling Twenty20 showdown, Punjab Kings (PBKS) edged out Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 18 runs, powered by Priyansh Arya’s sensational 103 off 42 balls.

With 7 fours and 9 sixes at a strike rate of 245.2, Arya’s explosive knock propelled PBKS to 219/6 in 20 overs. Caught by Vijay Shankar off Noor Ahmad at 154/6, his departure paved the way for Shashank Singh (52* off 36) and Marco Jansen (34* off 19) to forge an unbeaten 65-run stand, bolstered by 7 extras.

CSK’s chase began with Rachin Ravindra’s brisk 36 off 23 (6 fours), stumped by Glenn Maxwell, followed by Devon Conway’s anchoring 69 off 49 (6 fours, 2 sixes) before retiring out. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 1 off 3 fell to Lockie Ferguson, but Shivam Dube (42 off 27) and MS Dhoni (27 off 12, 3 sixes) ignited hopes.

Yash Thakur’s dismissal of Dhoni in the 19th over, caught by Yuzvendra Chahal, proved decisive. Ravindra Jadeja (9* off 5) and Vijay Shankar (2* off 2) couldn’t close the gap, leaving CSK at 201/5—18 runs short despite 15 extras.

PBKS’s bowling starred Ferguson (2/40) and Maxwell (1/11), with Thakur’s late strike sealing victory. CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed (2/45) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/48) fought back, but Arya’s onslaught overwhelmed them. This clash showcased Arya’s brilliance and PBKS’s resilience, leaving CSK ruing a valiant but incomplete chase in a classic T20 nail-biter.