By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Apr 01, 2026 02:16 AM • 33 views
Mullanpur: On Tuesday night, Punjab Kings reclaimed their home ground, rebounding from a mid-innings collapse to defeat Gujarat Titans by three wickets in an exciting match.
Last season’s runners-up started strong, but debutant Cooper Connolly stood out. He silenced critics by steadying the chase when Punjab risked defeat under the lights at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium. Building on his efforts, the momentum of the match began to shift.
Vyshak Stops the Titans
Gujarat seemed set for a big score after a strong start, but Vijaykumar Vyshak shifted momentum. He took control in the middle overs, dismissing Glenn Phillips with a slower ball. In the 19th over, he struck again, removing Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan. Vyshak finished with 3/34 as Gujarat slowed.
Despite a chaotic final over from Arshdeep Singh—who bled 12 runs through a flurry of wides and no-balls—Punjab’s bowlers still held Gujarat to a modest 162 for 6. With this target set, Punjab’s batters prepared for the chase, even as a light drizzle threatened to dampen the outfield. Prabhsimran Singh (38) and Connolly surged ahead with a 76-run partnership that placed Punjab firmly in the driver’s seat. Then, the drama spiked.
Impact substitute Prasidh Krishna shifted the momentum, causing Punjab to lose four wickets for just eight runs, including key wickets of Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis. Punjab faltered.
Finishing the Match
With 30 runs needed from the last four overs and the pressure on, Connolly stayed calm. He faced experienced bowler Kagiso Rabada and reached his half-century in 34 balls with a strong pull shot for six, taking back control for Punjab as the rain got heavier. He did not let up. With help from late contributions by Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett, Connolly sealed the win by hitting a boundary on the first ball of the last over. Punjab finished at 165 for 7 with five balls left. It was a debut to remember.
