Sam Curran’s 88 in Vain as Chennai Super Kings Miss Playoffs After Loss

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) hopes of reaching the IPL 2025 play-offs were dashed after they were defeated by Punjab Kings in a thrilling encounter. Despite a career-best 88 from England all-rounder Sam Curran, CSK were bowled out for 190 in 19.2 overs, and Punjab Kings chased down the target with two balls to spare, winning by four wickets.

Curran’s explosive knock, which included 9 fours and 4 sixes, provided the backbone of CSK’s innings. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the superb batting performances of Punjab Kings’ Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh. Iyer top-scored with a stunning 72 from 41 balls, while Prabhsimran contributed 54 from 36 balls, leaving just six runs required from the final two overs. Although Punjab faced a late wobble, losing Iyer and Suryansh Shedge, Marco Jansen sealed the victory with a crucial inside edge for four.

CSK’s Playoff Hopes End After Another Defeat

CSK’s hopes of a late playoff push were already slim, but their eighth defeat in 10 matches now confirms their elimination from the competition. With a string of underwhelming performances throughout the tournament, CSK’s campaign has come to an end, and they are now mathematically unable to progress.

For Punjab Kings, the victory was crucial as they moved up from fifth to second place in the points table, just one point behind leaders Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Curran Shows Class, But CSK’s Collapse Costly

Curran’s remarkable knock came after a string of disappointing performances in this year’s IPL, where he had scored single-digit runs in his previous three outings. The 26-year-old demonstrated his capabilities with a dominant display, targeting the leg-side boundary and holding together a CSK lineup that has struggled to find consistency.

However, Curran’s dismissal in the 18th over, followed by a dramatic collapse of six wickets in 12 balls, including a hat-trick by Punjab’s Yuzvendra Chahal, sealed CSK’s fate. Chahal, who took four wickets in the penultimate over, removed MS Dhoni, Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad in successive deliveries, leaving CSK reeling.

Punjab Kings Climb the Standings

The win moves Punjab Kings into second place on the IPL 2025 points table, positioning them as serious contenders for a spot in the playoffs. They are now just one point behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with several key fixtures left to play.

Looking Ahead: IPL 2025 Action Continues

As CSK’s season comes to a close, Punjab Kings will look to build momentum as they aim to secure a playoff spot. The next IPL fixture sees Rajasthan Royals take on Mumbai Indians on Thursday, with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi set to showcase his talent once again after his impressive century on Monday.