Punjab Kings kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign with a three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans at home on Tuesday (March 31), overcoming a brief wobble to seal the chase with five balls remaining.
Vijaykumar Vyshak (3 for 34) played a key role with the ball, helping restrict Gujarat Titans to 162/6 after they had looked set for a much bigger total. On debut, Cooper Connolly then anchored and accelerated the chase with an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls, guiding PBKS home despite a middle-overs collapse.
Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 162/6 (Shubman Gill 39, Glenn Phillips 25; Vijaykumar Vyshak 3-34, Yuzvendra Chahal 2-28) lost to Punjab Kings 165/7 (Cooper Connolly 72*, Prabhsimran Singh 37; Prasidh Krishna 3-29) by 3 wickets
Vyshak Turns the Game with Key Breakthroughs
After building through steady partnerships, Gujarat Titans appeared on course for a 200-plus total before Vyshak broke the momentum. His dismissal of Glenn Phillips with a well-disguised slower ball left Titans at 119/3 after 14 overs.
From there, the innings lost direction. The middle and lower order failed to build partnerships, and Vyshak struck again late, removing Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan around the 19th over to ensure Titans finished with a below-par score.
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Late Over Boost Lifts Titans to 162
Gujarat’s final total was aided by a costly last over from Arshdeep Singh, which included four wides, two free-hits, a no-ball, and 12 runs. Notably, it proved the most expensive over in a death phase otherwise dominated by disciplined bowling, with only two boundaries conceded across the other overs.
PBKS Maintain Intent Throughout Chase
Punjab’s reply was marked by aggressive strokeplay from the outset. The partnership between Prabhsimran Singh and Connolly added 76 runs from 49 deliveries, with both batters clearing the ropes four times each to put the hosts in control.
Shreyas Iyer added quick runs with an 18 off 11 balls, including two sixes, as PBKS maintained a strong tempo despite light drizzle during the innings.
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Middle-Overs Collapse Sparks Late Drama
The game turned briefly when Prasidh Krishna was introduced in the 13th over. He made an immediate impact, dismissing Nehal Wadhera with his first delivery and removing Shashank Singh soon after.
In the same spell, he also accounted for Marcus Stoinis, triggering a collapse that saw PBKS slip from 110/2 to 118/6 in just 14 balls, raising concerns in the home camp.
Connolly Steers PBKS Home
Connolly regained control of the chase with composed batting under pressure. He brought up his half-century in 34 balls and took on Kagiso Rabada, capitalising on width and finishing the over with a six.
With 30 required from the final four overs, Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett contributed with crucial sixes to keep the chase on track. Connolly then sealed the win with boundary hits, including the decisive shot on the first ball of the final over.
What’s Next
Punjab Kings will next travel to face Chennai Super Kings on Friday (April 3). Gujarat Titans return home for their clash against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (April 4).
