Last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings (PBKS) kicked off their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign with a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT). In a match that swung dramatically at multiple stages, debutant Cooper Connolly emerged as the hero, guiding Punjab to a tense win with an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls.
While the final margin suggests a close finish, PBKS were largely in control for most parts before a sudden middle-order collapse added late drama to the contest.
Vyshak’s Spell Turns the Game
The turning point of the match came during Gujarat Titans’ innings, when Vijaykumar Vyshak delivered a match-defining spell. At one stage, GT looked well on course for a total in excess of 200, having built a strong platform through steady partnerships.
However, Vyshak’s clever variations, especially his slower deliveries, disrupted the flow. His crucial breakthrough came when he dismissed the dangerous Glenn Phillips, halting GT’s momentum at a critical juncture.
He didn’t stop there. In the death overs, Vyshak returned to remove key finishers Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan, ensuring that Gujarat finished with a below-par total of 162 for 6.
GT’s Missed Opportunity
Despite a solid start, Gujarat Titans once again struggled to capitalize beyond their top order. Shubman Gill anchored the innings with a steady 39, but the lack of impactful contributions in the latter half cost them dearly.
The death overs, in particular, highlighted their struggles. Boundaries were hard to come by, and the innings lacked the explosive finish typically required in T20 cricket.
Ironically, GT’s highest-scoring over in the death phase came courtesy of a wayward final over from Arshdeep Singh, which included wides, a no-ball, and free hits. Without that, the total could have been even lower.
PBKS Start Strong with Intent
In response, Punjab Kings approached the chase with aggressive intent. Prabhsimran Singh and Cooper Connolly stitched together a crucial 76-run partnership, setting the tone early.
The duo kept the scoreboard ticking with regular boundaries and sixes, ensuring that the required run rate remained manageable. Prabhsimran’s 37 off 24 balls complemented Connolly’s composed yet attacking approach.
Even skipper Shreyas Iyer played a quick cameo, adding valuable runs and maintaining the momentum.
Sudden Collapse Adds Drama
Just when the chase seemed to be heading towards a comfortable finish, the game took a dramatic turn. Prasidh Krishna, introduced late into the attack, triggered a collapse that put PBKS under pressure.
He struck immediately, dismissing Nehal Wadhera with his first ball and following it up with another key wicket soon after. The pressure intensified when he removed Marcus Stoinis, reducing PBKS from a comfortable 110 for 2 to 118 for 6.
The sudden loss of wickets, combined with intermittent rain, created a tense atmosphere, with the match hanging in the balance.
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Connolly Holds His Nerve
Amid the chaos, debutant Cooper Connolly stood tall. Displaying maturity beyond his experience, he anchored the innings while continuing to score at a healthy rate.
He brought up his half-century in just 34 balls and ensured that PBKS stayed within touching distance of the target. One of the defining moments of his innings came when he took on Kagiso Rabada, hitting a crucial six to shift the momentum back in Punjab’s favor.
Connolly’s ability to balance aggression with composure proved to be the difference.
Finishing Touches Under Pressure
With the equation narrowing down, contributions from Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett helped ease the pressure. Both players chipped in with timely sixes, ensuring that the required run rate did not spiral out of control.
Connolly eventually sealed the victory for PBKS with a boundary on the first ball of the final over, finishing the chase with five balls to spare.
What Lies Ahead
Punjab Kings will now shift focus to their next fixture against Chennai Super Kings on April 3. With momentum on their side, they will aim to build on this winning start.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will return home to face Rajasthan Royals on April 4, looking to address their middle-order concerns and bounce back stronger.