The first-gamer Cooper Connolly produced a pulsating batting display to fire Punjab Kings to a hard-fought three-wicket victory against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur on Tuesday. The IPL debutant Cooper Connolly emerged as the standout performer, guiding his side home with a brilliant unbeaten 72 off 44. Chasing a competitive target of 163, Punjab Kings found themselves under pressure early as wickets fell at regular intervals. Gujarat Titans bowlers came out with suffocating spells, building sustained pressure and making scoring difficult.
However, Connolly showed composure to anchor the innings and ensured the chase stayed on track despite the mounting tension. His knock was highlighted by smart shot selection as he lifted the Kings to a clinical win. Earlier, Punjab Kings had set the tone with an impressive bowling display after captain Shreyas Iyer elected to field first. The decision proved fruitful as the bowlers executed their plans with precision. Vijaykumar Vyshak led the charge with figures of 3/34. Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 2/28 and applied pressure through the middle overs.
Despite the disciplined bowling, Gujarat Titans managed to post 162/6, thanks largely to contributions from their top and middle order. Captain Shubman Gill top-scored with a steady 39, while Jos Buttler added a quick 38 and Glenn Phillips chipped in with a brisk 25.