Vyshak, Connolly star as PBKS get off to winning start at home

Runners-up last edition, Punjab Kings began IPL 2026 with a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans at home on Tuesday (March 31). Vijaykumar Vyshak (3 for 34) was the pick of the bowlers, restricting the Titans to 162/6. Cooper Connolly then shone on debut, anchoring the chase with his 44-ball 72 not out. PBKS lost four wickets for eight runs in the middle-overs, but Connolly regained control to get the hosts over the line with five balls to spare.

Brief scores: Gujarat Titans 162/6 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 39, Glenn Phillips 25; Vijaykumar Vyshak 3-34, Yuzvendra Chahal 2-28) lost to Punjab Kings 165/7 in 19.1 overs (Cooper Connolly 72* off 44, Prabhsimran Singh 37 off 24; Prasidh Krishna 3-29) by 3 wickets.

After three solid partnerships upfront, Gujarat Titans seemed set for a 200+ score. Vijaykumar Vyshak's crucial strike, dismissing Glenn Phillips with a slower ball, reduced Titans to 119/3 in the 14th over. The visitors never recovered. Vyshak later claimed Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan in the 19th over, condemning the Titans to a below-par score.

How did GT get to 162?
A generous 20th over from Arshdeep Singh, featuring four wides, two free-hits, a no-ball, and 12 runs scored.

So, PBKS showed more intent?
The six-hitting remained constant in PBKS' reply. Prabhsimran Singh and Connolly shared a 76-run stand in 49 balls, each hitting four sixes. Skipper Shreyas Iyer also chipped in with two maximums in his 11-ball 18.

How did it go down to the very last over?
Impact sub Prasidh Krishna was introduced in the 13th over and proved effective immediately. He claimed Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis in quick succession. Punjab slipped from 110/2 to 118/6 in 14 balls.

Who pulled it back for Punjab?
The debutant, Cooper Connolly. He took on Kagiso Rabada, raising a 34-ball fifty and closing the over with a six. That brought the equation to 30 required off four overs. Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett each hit a six, and Connolly applied the finishing touches with boundaries.

What's next for the two teams?
Punjab Kings face CSK away on Friday (April 3). Gujarat Titans host Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (April 4).