Debutant Cooper Connolly declared in style, scoring a brilliant maiden half-century to guide Punjab Kings to a thrilling three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans. IPL 2026 match at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday.Chasing 163 runs, Punjab Kings suffered an early blow in the form of impact player Priyansh Arya Kagiso fell victim to Rabada after scoring 7 runs in the second over. However, Prabhasmaran Singh quickly changed the momentum with an aggressive counter-attack, hitting Rabada for back-to-back sixes. Connolly joined the attack, and the pair took PBKS to 55/1 at the end of the powerplay. Together they put on a crucial stand of 76 runs for the second wicket, which kept the chase firmly on track.
GT fight back, Connolly holds his nerve.
Rashid Khan Broke the partnership by dismissing Prabhasmaran for 37 in the 10th over. The captain Shreyas Iyer Continued the momentum with two sixes but was removed by Prasad Krishna in the 13th over. Gujarat Titans then mounted a strong comeback, and Nihal Vadhira, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis picked up wickets in a cluster.Despite falling at the other end, Connolly kept his composure and completed his maiden IPL fifty in just 34 balls. The 22-year-old remained unbeaten on 72 runs off 44 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes and sent Punjab home in style. Xavier Bartlett (11*) with five balls.For Gujarat Titans, Prasad Krishna was the standout bowler with figures of 3/29, while Rabada, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, and Ashok Sharma took one wicket each.Earlier, Punjab Kings put in a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Gujarat Titans to 162/6. Vijay Kumar Veshak took three wickets while showing off the ball, while Yuzvinder Chahal took two wickets.Gujarat started brightly, with Shibman Gul and Sai Sudharsan reaching 35/0 in just three overs. However, Marco Johnson provided the first success by dismissing Sudharsan for 13 runs. Jose ButlerHelping GT reach 54/1 at the end of the Powerplay.Gayle, after an aggressive start, slowed down before being dismissed for 39 by Chahal in the 10th over. Glenn Phillips added a quick-fire 25 but was bowled, while Buttler made 38 before Chahal was dismissed in the 16th over. Washington Sundar struggled for momentum, scoring 18 runs late in the innings.Vaishak finished with impressive figures of 3/34, while Chahal’s 2/28 ensured the Gujarat Titans were kept in check despite a strong start.
Short Score:
Gujarat Titans 162/6 (Shubman Gill 39, Jos Buttler 38; Vijay Kumar Veshak 3/34, Yuzvinder Chahal 2/28)Punjab Kings 165/7 (Cooper Connolly 72*, Prabhasmaran Singh 37; Prasad Krishna 3/29)Punjab Kings won by 3 wickets.
