The 22nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, held on April 8, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, was a highly anticipated clash between two formidable teams: the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The match began with PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer winning the toss and opting to bat first, setting the stage for an exciting contest. However, it was Ravichandran Ashwin‘s incredible catch that stole the show, dismissing Glenn Maxwell in a manner that left both teams and spectators in awe.
Ravichandran Ashwin grabs an astonishing catch dismissing Glenn Maxwell
In the seventh over, Ashwin faced Maxwell, a player known for his explosive batting. The ball was a carrom ball, delivered on a length and slowing down on the stumps. Maxwell, attempting to blast it through Ashwin, backed away but ended up picking the bowler out to perfection. Ashwin, with lightning-quick reflexes, managed to hold onto the catch after a slight bobble. The dismissal was a significant blow to PBKS, as Maxwell departed for just 1 run off 2 balls, leaving his team reeling at 83/5. This wicket marked Ashwin’s second in the over, having previously dismissed Nehal Wadhera, further complicating PBKS’s batting woes.
Here’s the video:
Some reflexes! 🔥💛
A sharp caught & bowled by #RavichandranAshwin, & #GlennMaxwell’s stay is cut short!
Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/tDvWovyN5c#IPLonJioStar 👉 #PBKSvCSK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/afhnaCAOnD
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 8, 2025
Also WATCH: Khaleel Ahmed sends Shreyas Iyer’s off-stump for a walk in PBKS vs CSK clash at IPL 2025
The age old rivalry between Ashwin and Maxwell
The rivalry between Ashwin and Maxwell is one of the most intriguing in the IPL. Both players are known for their exceptional skills—Ashwin for his cunning spin and Maxwell for his aggressive batting. Their past encounters have been filled with excitement, as Maxwell has often looked to dominate Ashwin, but the spinner has consistently found ways to outsmart him. In IPL history, Ashwin has dismissed Maxwell three times, and Maxwell has managed a strike rate of 200 against him, making their duels highly anticipated.
This particular dismissal highlighted Ashwin’s ability to adapt and innovate, using his carrom ball to deceive Maxwell. The carrom ball, which turns in the opposite direction to a conventional off-break, caught Maxwell off guard, leading to his downfall. This moment not only showcased Ashwin’s skill but also underscored the strategic battle between these two players, where each tries to outmanoeuvre the other.
Priyansh Arya’s ton saves PBKS collapse
The match began with PBKS facing early setbacks. Prabhsimran Singh was dismissed for a duck in the second over, followed by Iyer, who scored 9 runs off 7 balls. Marcus Stoinis also failed to make an impact, leaving PBKS at 54/3 by the end of the 5th over. Wadhera added some stability but was eventually caught by MS Dhoni off Ashwin’s bowling. The fall of Maxwell’s wicket further compounded PBKS’ woes.
However, the innings took a dramatic turn with Priyansh Arya‘s ballistic hundred. Arya smashed 103 runs off just 42 balls, including 7 fours and 9 sixes, at an astonishing strike rate of 245.23. His partnership with Shashank Singh, who remained unbeaten on 52, helped PBKS recover and post a competitive total of 219/8 in their 20 overs.
