In a contest that tested the nerves of both sides, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a hard-fought three-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 4 of the TATA IPL 2026. Chasing a target of 163 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, the hosts overcame a dramatic mid-innings collapse, courtesy of a sensational debut performance by Australian all-rounder and Player of the Match Cooper Connolly.

Earlier in the evening, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field. The decision paid immediate dividends as the PBKS bowling unit operated with clinical precision to restrict the visiting Titans to a modest 162/6. 

The Gujarat Titans began their innings with clear intent. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan aimed to exploit the Powerplay restrictions, but the introduction of Marco Jansen provided the early breakthrough PBKS sought, dismissing Sudharsan (13 off 11) in the fourth over. Gill continued his fluent strokeplay, setting a solid foundation and top-scoring with a brisk 39 off 27 deliveries.

Mastering the on-side 👏

🎥 Which of these classy shots from @ShubmanGill is your favourite? 👌

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However, the middle overs belonged entirely to the Punjab Kings. Yuzvendra Chahal tightened the screws, finishing with highly economical figures of 2/28. The veteran spinner claimed the prized scalp of Gill and eventually ended the resistance of Jos Buttler (38 off 33), whose dismissal featured a breathtaking mid-air catch by Xavier Bartlett that will undoubtedly feature in the catch-of-the-season highlights.

𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁! 🚀

🎥 A superbly-timed jump from the @PunjabKingsIPL player to grab a stunner! 🫴

Wicket No. 2⃣ for @yuzi_chahal ☝️

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/75rCxTCOL1#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvGT pic.twitter.com/gGxRtVmq5F

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Vijaykumar Vyshak emerged as the standout performer with the ball. His tactical variations derailed the Titans' momentum entirely, as he dismantled the lower-middle order. Vyshak claimed three critical wickets of Glenn Phillips (25), Washington Sundar (18), and Shahrukh Khan (4) and finishing his spell with stellar figures of 3/34.

The Punjab Kings' pursuit of 163 began with a minor hiccup when Priyansh Arya (7) departed early. However, a blistering counter-attack from Prabhsimran Singh (37 off 24) and the debutant Cooper Connolly appeared to put the Kings in absolute control of the chase with a solid partnership of 76(49).

Just as the hosts looked to cruise, the Gujarat Titans mounted a fierce fightback. Prasidh Krishna delivered an inspired, fiery spell that triggered a dramatic collapse. Punjab slumped from a comfortable 110/2 to 118/6 in the space of just 15 deliveries. Krishna proved lethal, removing Shreyas Iyer (18), Shashank Singh (4), and Marcus Stoinis (0) in quick succession to finish with figures of 3/29. With the required run rate climbing and the specialized batters back in the pavilion, the pressure squarely shifted onto the young debutant.

🎥Rashid Khan and Prasidh Krishna keep @gujarat_titans fighting with key wickets 👊

Prabhsimran Singh and Captain Shreyas Iyer depart☝️

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Connolly remained remarkably unfazed. Displaying composure well beyond his 22 years of age, he anchored the remainder of the innings with a brilliant, unbeaten 72 off 46 balls, featuring six boundaries and four towering sixes. Supported by a crucial late cameo from Bartlett (11*), Connolly safely steered the chase into the 20th over. With the scores leveled, the Australian punctuated his debut by finding the boundary, sealing the victory with five balls to spare.

The debutant seals it in style! 💪@PunjabKingsIPL clinch a thriller in New Chandigarh to get their campaign going with a win ❤️

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/75rCxTCOL1#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvGT pic.twitter.com/WqBQNjuvA1

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 31, 2026