New Delhi: Young Australia batter Cooper Connolly enjoyed a dream debut in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to help Punjab Kings open their account with a three-wicket win against Gujarat Titans. In what turned out to be a topsy-turvy game, last-year runners-up Punjab held their nerves with debutant Connolly acting as the torchbearer for the side.
The 22-year-old batter played an unbeaten knock of 72 in 44 balls to help Punjab complete the chase in 19.1 overs after the hosts lost few wickets quickly during the mid stages. Apart from the young batter’s brilliant knock which saved Punjab’s ship, Prabhsimran Singh scored 37 off 24 balls with four massive hits to contribute up front.
Connolly emerges as match-winner
In his match-winning knock, Connolly smashed five sixes and as many boundaries to wreck havoc on the Gujarat bowlers, who had gained some control over the game with some quick crucial wickets. Skipper Shreyas Iyer showed signs of flamboyance with 18 quick runs but failed to take it beyond that. Xavier Bartlett scored 11 off 5 towards the end.
For Gujarat, Prasidh Krishna claimed three wickets while Rashid Khan, Ashok Sharma and Kagiso Rabada claimed a wicket apiece.
Earlier in the first innings, Shubman Gill scored 39 runs while Jos Buttler scored 38 runs as Gujarat scored 162/6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Glenn Phillips was another contributor in the score with 25 runs off 17 balls while Washington Sundar mustered 18 runs. Rest of the batters failed to put up effort in front of a disciplined bowling line-up by Punjab.