Punjab Kings began their IPL 2026 campaign with a thrilling three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh. Debutant Cooper Connolly starred with an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls, guiding PBKS to chase down 163 with five balls to spare despite a mid-innings collapse triggered by Prasidh Krishna.
Introduction
The IPL 2026 season witnessed its first nail-biter as Punjab Kings edged past Gujarat Titans in Match 4. The clash had everything—early wickets, a middle-order collapse, and a heroic debut performance that sealed the game in the final over.
Gujarat Titans Innings
Batting first, Gujarat Titans posted 162/6 in 20 overs. Shubman Gill (39) and Jos Buttler (38) provided solid contributions, but disciplined bowling from Chahal and Jansen restricted GT from accelerating in the death overs.
Punjab Kings Chase
PBKS began strongly but faltered in the middle overs as Prasidh Krishna scalped three wickets in two overs. At 95/5, the chase looked shaky until Cooper Connolly took charge. His calm and calculated innings ensured PBKS crossed the line at 165/7 in 19.1 overs.
Player Of The Match
Connolly’s 72 off 44 balls* earned him the Player of the Match award. His debut innings drew comparisons to Shaun Marsh’s iconic IPL debut years ago, with fans hailing him as PBKS’s new match-winner.
Key Highlights
• Punjab Kings chased 163 to win by three wickets
• Gujarat Titans scored 162/6 with Gill and Buttler top-scoring
• Prasidh Krishna took 3/29, sparking a PBKS collapse
• Cooper Connolly scored unbeaten 72* on debut
• PBKS secured first win of IPL 2026 season
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Free Press Journal, Outlook India