IPL 2026: Debutant Connolly guides Kings to victory over Titans

Cooper Connolly made a superb unbeaten 72 on his Indian Premier League debut as he guided Punjab Kings to a three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans.

Chasing 162, Punjab looked to be cruising to victory at 110-2 at the start of the 12th over. But the Kings lost four wickets for eight runs to slip to 118-6 as Prasidh Krishna claimed three quick wickets en route to figures of 3-29.

However, Australia all-rounder Connolly batted with measured aggression, hitting five fours and five sixes, to get Punjab over the line with five balls to spare.

“I’m stoked to spend some time in the middle and to put on a show tonight was nice,” Connolly, 22, said. “Working with [Punjab coach] Ricky Ponting has been great and some slight tweaks have helped me out.”

Earlier, Jos Buttler had hit 38 off off 33 balls as he hinted at a return to form following a difficult winter.

The England opener struggled during the recent T20 World Cup as he averaged 10.87 in eight innings with a top score of 26.

In his first appearance since the tournament the 35-year-old, batting at three, whacked three fours and two sixes in his knock.

Only Shubman Gill, who made a 27-ball 39, outscored Buttler for the Titans as they posted 162-6 from their 20 overs.

Vijaykumar Vyshak finished the pick of the Punjab bowlers with 3-34 while all-rounder Marco Jansen bowled tightly as he claimed 1-20. (BBC)