Gujarat Titans continued their strong run in IPL 2026 with a narrow four-wicket win over Punjab Kings, chasing down 164 with just one ball to spare.
The result tightened an already congested points table, with Punjab Kings, who began the season unbeaten in seven matches, now suffering back-to-back defeats. Despite staying at the top, they are only one point ahead of Gujarat Titans, who have climbed into contention with three consecutive wins.
GT Bowlers Set the Tone Early
On a pitch offering bounce and seam movement, Gujarat’s pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Jason Holder made early inroads, reducing Punjab Kings to 47 for 5.
Siraj struck in the opening over, dismissing Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly in successive deliveries, while Rabada maintained pressure from the other end. His sixth over proved decisive, including the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh and a string of dot balls that left Punjab struggling at 35 for 3 in the powerplay.
Holder then extended the damage, removing Nehal Wadhera and Shreyas Iyer to leave PBKS in deep trouble.
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Shedge and Stoinis Lead Recovery
Punjab Kings recovered through a 79-run partnership between Suryansh Shedge and Marcus Stoinis. Shedge accelerated rapidly, converting a slow start into a 24-ball half-century before finishing with 57 off 29 balls.
Stoinis added 40, but Holder returned to break the stand, dismissing him with a cutter. He later removed Xavier Bartlett, ensuring PBKS could not fully capitalise in the closing overs.
Despite a late push that took them past 160, Punjab managed only 45 runs in the final five overs, finishing on 163 for 9.
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Sudharsan Anchors the Chase
In reply, Gujarat Titans built their chase steadily around B Sai Sudharsan, who scored 57 to provide a solid foundation. The innings featured controlled strokeplay rather than aggressive acceleration, with the batting unit largely maintaining the required rate.
Jos Buttler contributed 26 from 22 balls, while Nishant Sindhu added 15 on debut. Washington Sundar initially took time to settle, scoring 16 from his first 14 deliveries.
Late Drama Before GT Seal Win
The chase tightened after Sudharsan and Rahul Tewatia fell in the middle overs, leaving Gujarat under pressure heading into the final over, needing 11 runs.
Arshad Khan eased the equation by flicking a yorker for four, before Sundar finished the game with a six off the penultimate ball, sealing victory in a tense finish.
The win underlined Gujarat Titans’ pattern this season—tight bowling displays followed by controlled chases—as they continued their push up the standings.
