IPL2026: Connolly stars in Punjab Kings hard fought win over Gujarat Titans

 



Punjab Kings began their IPL campaign in style, securing a hard-fought victory over Gujarat Titans in a tense encounter. Batting first, Gujarat posted 162/6, but Punjab chased it down with 165/7 in 19.1 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 72 from 22-year-old Cooper Connolly.

Despite winning, the chase wasn’t as straightforward as it initially seemed. Punjab looked comfortable at 110/2, but a sudden collapse saw them slip to 118/6, putting the team under pressure. However, with the target not too steep, they managed to regain control in time.

Punjab’s innings got off to a shaky start with opener Priyansh Arya dismissed early for 7. Prabhsimran Singh and Connolly then steadied the innings, adding valuable runs. Prabhsimran scored a quick 37 off 24 balls, hitting one four and four sixes before being dismissed by Rashid Khan.

Captain Shreyas Iyer couldn’t make a big impact, scoring 18 off 11 balls with two sixes before falling to Prasidh Krishna. His dismissal triggered a collapse as Nehal Wadhera (3), Shashank Singh (4), and Marcus Stoinis (0) fell in quick succession. Prasidh, introduced as an impact player, proved particularly dangerous, picking up key wickets in the 15th over.

Connolly, however, held firm at one end and kept the scoreboard moving. Marco Jansen chipped in with 9 before getting out, but Connolly found support in Xavier Bartlett towards the end. The duo guided Punjab home, with Connolly finishing unbeaten on 72 off 44 balls, including five fours and five sixes, while Bartlett remained not out on 11 off 5 balls.

For Gujarat, Prasidh Krishna was the standout bowler with 3/29. Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Washington Sundar, and Ashok Sharma picked up a wicket each.

Earlier, Gujarat Titans failed to capitalize on their batting opportunity. Their usually reliable opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan couldn’t deliver. Sudharsan fell for 13 off 11 balls to Jansen, while Gill managed 39 off 27 balls with six fours but couldn’t accelerate.

Jos Buttler also struggled to find momentum, scoring 38 off 33 balls before being dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal. Glenn Phillips showed some intent with a quick 25 off 17 balls but couldn’t convert it into a big score. Washington Sundar (18) and Shah Rukh Khan (4) also failed to make significant contributions, while Rahul Tewatia remained unbeaten on 11.

Overall, Gujarat’s total of 162 proved insufficient as Punjab Kings held their nerve in a tense chase to start their season on a winning note.

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