Cooper Connolly Shines in Debut as Punjab Kings Edge Gujarat Titans in IPL Thriller
In a gripping encounter at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, debutant Cooper Connolly delivered a match-winning performance to steer Punjab Kings to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026. Chasing a target of 163, Punjab Kings secured the win with five balls remaining, largely thanks to Connolly's brilliant maiden half-century.
Punjab Kings' Chase: Early Setback and Strong Recovery
Punjab Kings faced an early setback when impact player Priyansh Arya was dismissed for just 7 runs in the second over by Kagiso Rabada. However, Prabhsimran Singh quickly turned the tide with an aggressive counterattack, hitting back-to-back sixes off Rabada. Connolly joined the fray, and together, they propelled PBKS to 55/1 by the end of the powerplay. The duo forged a crucial 76-run partnership for the second wicket, firmly setting the chase on course.
Gujarat Titans Fight Back Amid Connolly's Composure
Rashid Khan broke the partnership in the 10th over by dismissing Prabhsimran for a brisk 37. Captain Shreyas Iyer maintained momentum with a couple of sixes but fell to Prasidh Krishna in the 13th over. Gujarat Titans then staged a strong comeback, taking wickets in quick succession as Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis departed. Despite the collapse at the other end, Connolly remained calm and composed, reaching his maiden IPL fifty in just 34 balls. The 22-year-old finished unbeaten on 72 off 44 deliveries, striking five fours and five sixes, and guided Punjab home alongside Xavier Bartlett, who contributed 11 not out.
Bowling Highlights and Gujarat Titans' Innings
For Gujarat Titans, Prasidh Krishna was the standout bowler with figures of 3/29, while Rabada, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, and Ashok Sharma each claimed a wicket. Earlier, Punjab Kings produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Gujarat Titans to 162/6. Vijaykumar Vyshak starred with three wickets, and Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with two.
Gujarat Titans got off to a flying start, with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan racing to 35/0 in three overs. Marco Jansen provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Sudharsan for 13. Gill anchored the innings alongside Jos Buttler, helping GT reach 54/1 at the powerplay. After an aggressive start, Gill slowed down and was dismissed for 39 by Chahal in the 10th over. Glenn Phillips added a quick 25 but fell to Vyshak, while Buttler top-scored with 38 before being dismissed by Chahal in the 16th over. Washington Sundar struggled to accelerate, managing only 18 runs late in the innings.
Brief Scores and Match Outcome
Gujarat Titans: 162/6 (Shubman Gill 39, Jos Buttler 38; Vijaykumar Vyshak 3/34, Yuzvendra Chahal 2/28)
Punjab Kings: 165/7 (Cooper Connolly 72*, Prabhsimran Singh 37; Prasidh Krishna 3/29)
Punjab Kings won by 3 wickets, marking a memorable debut for Cooper Connolly and a significant victory in the IPL 2026 season.
