Connolly's debut heroics seal thrilling Punjab Kings win over Gujarat Titans

By SABC Sport
1st April 2026

Punjab Kings survived a late scare to kick off their 2026 IPL campaign with a tense three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans at the New Chandigarh Stadium.

This, thanks largely to a composed debut knock from Cooper Connolly and a disciplined bowling display led by Marco Jansen.

After being put in a position to chase, Punjab's bowlers laid the foundation for victory by restricting Gujarat to 162-6. Jansen was particularly impressive, conceding just 20 runs in his four overs while chipping in with a crucial wicket. He was well supported by Yuzvendra Chahal, who removed both Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, and Vijaykumar Vyshak, whose variations proved effective in the middle and death overs as he claimed three wickets.

Gujarat had started brightly, with Gill and Sai Sudharsan finding early boundaries to maintain a brisk scoring rate in the powerplay. However, the innings lost momentum as the pitch slowed and Punjab's bowlers tightened their grip. Despite contributions from Gill (39), Buttler (38), and Glenn Phillips (25), Gujarat failed to accelerate in the closing overs, adding only modest runs at the death to finish below a par total.

Punjab's chase began in explosive fashion. After an early setback, Connolly joined Prabhsimran Singh at the crease and the pair launched a counterattack, putting together a 76-run partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in the hosts' favour. The duo took full advantage of the powerplay, peppering the boundary with sixes and quickly outpacing Gujarat's scoring rate.

Just when Punjab appeared to be cruising, the game took a dramatic turn. Prasidh Krishna, introduced late into the attack, sparked a collapse with a sensational spell that saw him pick up three wickets in quick succession. Punjab lost four wickets in just 16 balls, suddenly turning a comfortable chase into a tense finish.

With the pressure mounting and the target still within reach, Connolly showed remarkable composure for a 22-year-old on debut. He anchored the innings smartly, rotating strike and building small but vital partnerships - first with Jansen and then with Xavier Bartlett - to steady the chase.

Connolly's innings, an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls featuring five fours and five sixes, proved to be the difference. He not only registered his maiden IPL half-century but also ensured he remained at the crease until the end, guiding Punjab home with five balls to spare.