Cooper Connolly dream debut powers Punjab Kings to three wickets win over Gujarat Titans
Debutant Cooper Connolly starred with a match-winning unbeaten 72, guiding Punjab Kings to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans. Chasing 163, Connolly's composed knock, supported by Prabhsimran Singh's aggressive start, ensured PBKS crossed the finish line with five balls to spare. Vijaykumar Vyshak's three wickets earlier restricted GT.
Debutant Cooper Connolly announced himself in style, scoring a brilliant maiden half-century to guide Punjab Kings to a thrilling three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Chasing 163, Punjab Kings suffered an early blow as impact player Priyansh Arya fell for 7 in the second over to Kagiso Rabada. However, Prabhsimran Singh quickly shifted momentum with an aggressive counterattack, smashing back-to-back sixes off Rabada.
Connolly joined the assault, and the duo powered PBKS to 55/1 at the end of the powerplay. They stitched together a crucial 76-run stand for the second wicket, putting the chase firmly on track. GT Fight Back, Connolly Holds Nerve Rashid Khan broke the partnership in the 10th over, dismissing Prabhsimran for a quickfire 37.
Captain Shreyas Iyer kept the momentum going with a couple of sixes but was removed by Prasidh Krishna in the 13th over. Gujarat Titans then staged a strong comeback, picking up wickets in clusters as Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis departed in quick succession. Despite the collapse at the other end, Connolly held his composure and brought up his maiden IPL fifty in just 34 balls.
The 22-year-old remained unbeaten on 72 off 44 deliveries, striking five fours and five sixes, and steered Punjab home alongside Xavier Bartlett (11*) with five balls to spare. For Gujarat Titans, Prasidh Krishna was the standout bowler with figures of 3/29, while Rabada, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, and Ashok Sharma picked up a wicket each. Earlier, Punjab Kings produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Gujarat Titans to 162/6.