Cooper Connolly dream debut powers Punjab Kings to three wickets win over Gujarat Titans

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. 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. Vijaykumar Vyshak starred with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with two.Gujarat got off to a flying start, with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan racing to 35/0 in just three overs. However, Marco Jansen provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Sudharsan for 13. Gill then anchored the innings alongside Jos Buttler, helping GT reach 54/1 at the end of the powerplay.Gill, after an aggressive start, slowed down before being dismissed for 39 by Chahal in the 10th over. Glenn Phillips added a quick 25 but fell to Vyshak, while Buttler top-scored with 38 before being dismissed by Chahal in the 16th over. Washington Sundar struggled to accelerate, managing 18 runs late in the innings.Vyshak finished with impressive figures of 3/34, while Chahal’s 2/28 ensured Gujarat Titans were kept in check despite their strong start.Gujarat Titans 162/6 (Shubman Gill 39, Jos Buttler 38; Vijaykumar Vyshak 3/34, Yuzvendra Chahal 2/28)Punjab Kings 165/7 (Cooper Connolly 72*, Prabhsimran Singh 37; Prasidh Krishna 3/29)Punjab Kings won by 3 wickets.