PBKS Vs GT Highlights, IPL 2026: Cooper Connolly's Half-Century Drives Kings To Opening Victory

Good evening, cricket fans! This is the start of our live blog covering the IPL 2026 match between PBKS and GT at the PCA Stadium. Stay tuned for pre-match updates and playing XIs as they are revealed.

Punjab Kings once again begin their campaign with hope of finally ending their title drought. After falling short in two finals, including last season, they’ll be eager to go one step further this time. Gujarat Titans, however, know what it takes to win, having lifted the trophy in their debut season in 2022, and will look to rely on that experience.

The Gujarat Titans had a strong campaign in the IPL 2025 season, finishing in 3rd place in the league stage. However, their run ended in the playoffs after they lost to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator by 20 runs.

GT faced Mumbai Indians at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium. Chasing a target of 229, GT managed 208/6 in their 20 overs, losing by 20 runs despite a valiant 80-run effort from Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan was the standout batter of the season, scoring 759 runs, which was the highest by any player in the tournament.

Prasidh Krishna led the bowling attack with 25 wickets, also the highest in the 2025 edition.

The Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans IPL 2026 match live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network channels. Fan can get the live streaming of the match in the JioHotstar mobile app and website.

The weather forecast for this evening’s clash between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur looks very promising for a full game of cricket. While the afternoon saw some cloud cover with temperatures peaking around 31°C, conditions are expected to stabilize by the 7:30 PM IST start time. Currently, the temperature is hovering near 27°C with a light breeze from the southwest at 4 mph, providing a relatively comfortable environment for both the players and the fans in attendance.

As the match progresses into the night, the skies are expected to clear up completely, and the temperature will gradually dip toward a low of 17°C. Crucially for the teams, the chance of precipitation remains very low at just 10%, meaning rain is unlikely to cause any interruptions. However, the cooling temperatures and clear night sky suggest that dew could become a significant factor during the second innings. Captains will likely take this into account at the toss, as a slick outfield could make it more difficult for bowlers to grip the ball and for fielders to move efficiently in the latter half of the match.

The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur is expected to be a balanced surface that offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Featuring a mix of red and black soil, the track typically provides good bounce and carry early on, allowing top-order batters to play their shots freely during the powerplay. While the average first-innings score at this venue hovers around 165–173, the ground has seen totals exceeding 190, suggesting it can be quite lucrative for stroke-makers if they settle in.

Ahead of the Gujarat Titans' 2026 season opener, batting coach Matthew Hayden spoke extensively about Shubman Gill's maturation as both a player and a leader. He highlighted Gill’s clarity of thought and his ability to articulate the game as key indicators of a player who has reached a high level of maturity. Hayden noted that Gill’s experience across formats, particularly in Test cricket, has provided him with a deep understanding of the game that translates effectively into his captaincy.

Shreyas Iyer has cemented a unique legacy as one of the most successful and versatile tacticians in IPL history, becoming the only captain to lead three different franchises to a tournament final. His leadership journey began with a mid-season takeover at Delhi Capitals in 2018, where he famously smashed unbeaten 93 on his captaincy debut before eventually guiding the team to their maiden final in 2020. This reputation for revitalizing squads continued at Kolkata Knight Riders, where he led the team to their third IPL title in 2024.

His high-value transition to Punjab Kings for the 2025 season further underscored his elite status. He immediately transformed the franchise's fortunes by leading them to the top of the table and into the 2025 final. Beyond the trophies, Iyer’s legacy is defined by his ability to build cohesive team cultures and his aggressive personal form under pressure.

The match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur during the 2025 season is remembered as one of the most remarkable defensive efforts in IPL history. After being put in to bat, the Punjab Kings suffered a dramatic collapse, managing only 111 runs before being bowled out in 15.3 overs. KKR's bowling attack, led by Harshit Rana (3/25), Varun Chakaravarthy, and Sunil Narine, seemed to have put the game out of reach for the home side, especially as 111 represented the second-lowest team total of that season.

However, the second innings produced a historic turnaround as PBKS successfully defended the target, winning by 16 runs. KKR’s chase initially appeared comfortable at 62/2, with Angkrish Raghuvanshi (37) and Ajinkya Rahane looking set to finish the game. The momentum shifted entirely when Yuzvendra Chahal entered the fray, delivering a Player of the Match performance by taking 4/28. Chahal’s spell triggered a catastrophic collapse in the KKR middle order, accounting for key wickets including Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer.

The match reached a tense climax as Andre Russell attempted to muscle KKR back into the contest with a series of boundaries. His efforts were cut short by Marco Jansen, who finished with figures of 3/17 and claimed the final wicket of Russell to bowl KKR out for just 95. This victory set a new record for the lowest total ever defended in a full 20-over IPL match, surpassing a record that had stood since 2009. The game remains a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Mullanpur surface, which offered variable bounce and significant turn that evening.

Jason Holder (INR 7 Crore): The most significant acquisition for the Titans, the West Indian veteran provides much-needed balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His ability to bowl in the death overs and provide a lower-order cushion with the bat makes him a direct asset to the team's tactical flexibility.

Tom Banton (INR 2 Crore): The English wicketkeeper-batter adds explosive depth to the top order. While the Titans already have Jos Buttler, Banton serves as a high-quality backup or a potential middle-order aggressor if the team decides to shift their overseas combinations.

Luke Wood (INR 75 Lakh): The English left-arm pacer brings variety to an attack that is primarily right-handed. His ability to swing the ball at pace provides an alternative powerplay option alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

Ashok Sharma (INR 90 Lakh): The young Rajasthan-based pacer was brought in to bolster the Indian fast-bowling stocks. Known for his discipline and ability to hit the deck hard, he provides a reliable rotation option for the long season.

Prithvi Raj Yarra (INR 30 Lakh): Another left-arm pace option, Yarra's recruitment emphasizes the team’s intent to have left-arm variety in their arsenal to exploit specific matchups against right-handed heavy batting lineups.

Kulwant Khejroliya was signed as a late replacement for the injured left-arm pacer Prithviraj Yarra, joining the squad at his base price of INR 30 lakh.

Cooper Connolly is set to make his IPL debut for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) against the Gujarat Titans. Multiple reports confirm that he is expected to bat at No. 3, filling the void left by Josh Inglis.

Connolly will play exclusively as a specialist batter for at least the month of April.

He is recovering from a back issue (suspected to be a stress fracture).

Cricket Australia’s medical team has explicitly directed him not to bowl his left-arm spin during the early part of the tournament to prevent further injury and ensure a full recovery.

Lockie Ferguson will be unavailable for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their IPL 2026 opener against the Gujarat Titans today, March 31.

The New Zealand fast bowler is currently on paternity leave following the recent birth of his son. According to recent reports and statements from the player himself, he is expected to miss the initial phase of the tournament to spend time with his family in Auckland.

He is expected to miss at least the first seven league games for PBKS.

Toss Update: Punjab Kings have won the toss and opted to bowl first

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, M Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj

Gujarat Titans Impact subs: Prasidh Krishna, Jason Holder, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra

Punjab Kings Impact subs: Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge

The PSL 2026 match between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi faces delay due to rain. Fans can follow the live score and updates here.

Shubman Gill, hurt from being dropped from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad, starts by showing his classic shots. Xavier Bartlett came to bowl the second over and Gill found boundaries all over the park. He also topped the over up with a vintage ondrive through mid-on. GT are looking for a solid start to set up a massive total.

Marco Jansen bowls two quality overs in the powerplay and doesn't allow Gujarat Titans to race away. He also dismissed Sai Sudharsan and provides opponents with a big blow. He mixed up his lengths and forced Sudharsan to try and go over mid-off. But Sudharsan miscued and only found the mid-off fielder. Meanwhile, Jansen returns in the last over of the powerplay and keeps the pressure on.

Jos Buttler has found some rhythm, and he brings out the ramp shot and the down the ground thumps to collect boundaries in the middle overs. Runs have not come think and fast but they have been steady to come. Shubman Gil has anchored the innings and kept things going with Buttler. Punjab Kings have been bowling well using the conditions and they will look to force the batters to go for more boundaries.

Shubman Gill's departure made sure Punjab Kings attack the two overseas batters on crease with spin and both Buttler and Phillips look to break through the stranglehold. Gill's dismissal also came against spin as he looked to accelerate by slog sweeping Yuzvendra Chahal. But he didn't get the connection after being beating by the flight given by Chahal and found the deep fielder.

Punjab Kings have kept their stronghold on the Gujarat Titans and a glimpse of it could be spotted in the over of Vijaykumar Vyshak. He mixed up pace and length very accurately and forced Glenn Phillips to try and go over the top. Phillps didn't get the required connection and got holed out in the deep. GT struggling to break through the middle over strangle of PBKS.

Gujarat Titans have found no ways to break through the middle over pressure of Punjab Kings and they are now almost certain to finish under par. The Punjab Kings bowlers have mixed up pace and spin very well to keep troubling the GT batters and they have not found release. Jos Buttler was the latest one to try hitting Yuzvendra Chahal out but his shot was caught brilliantly by Xavier Bartlett at the deep.

Gujarat Titans have ended up with a score far less than what they aimed for initially. Things started to go down after Shubman Gill failed to take on Yuzvendra Chahal. Kings continued to get a grip on the match with their tight bowling and Jos Buttler, Glenn Phillips struggled. Both wanted to break free with big shots but found the fielder. PBKS were accurate with Marco Jansen, Vyshak and Bartlett in the end overs and the topped up the innings with economic death bowling. The conditions were tough but PBKS used them brilliantly.

Lahore and Chandigarh are not far away. Only 260 km distance between the two cities and while the former sees heavy rain, Mullanpur face a little drizzle. Check the live updates from the Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi match here.

Gujarat Titans know they have to pick early wickets and they get the dangerous Priyansh Arya early in the innings. Kagiso Rabada was hitting the pitch hard and that got the upper hand over Arya who miscues a pull. The ball only goes as far as the circle fielder. Cooper Connolly comes in and looks to release any pressure.

The Punjab Kings' chase begings with a slight edge as they finish their Powerplay at 55/1, just one run ahead of the Titans' equivalent score. They faced an early setback when Kagiso Rabada dismissed Priyansh Arya for 7 in the second over, but the momentum shifted quickly once debutant Cooper Connolly joined Prabhsimran Singh. Connolly showed remarkable composure in his first IPL appearance, smashing two boundaries off Mohammed Siraj early on, while Prabhsimran played his natural aggressive game. By the end of the sixth over, the duo had hit two sixes each, effectively bringing the required run rate down to 7.71.

The drizzle has made the ball wet and the ball is skidding on the surface. Stocks are heavily against Gujarat Titans but still they get a breakthrough by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh. Prabhsimran was finding success when he was attacking Washington Sundar but fails to do the same to Rashid. Steps out but yorks himself and the ball goes flat to the hands of the long on fielder. GT stay alive in the game.

Gujarat Titans are behind in the game but they are looking to create some pressure by taking a few wickets. A phase of play that goes well for them and they pick two wickets in two overs. First Shreyas Iyer flicks a Prasidh Krishna ball straight to the hands of the deep square leg fielder and then Washington Sundar foxes Nehal Wadhera to hit straight to the short extra cover fielder. The wickets have slowed PBKS down and GT are looking for more.

What an over for Gujarat Titans! They are now strongly back in the game. Two wickets in the same over and Punjab Kings feel the pressure. Prasidh Krishna is getting nice lift off the pitch and that made Shashank Singh nick one to the wicketkeeper. Marcus Stoinis came in and looked to steer a ball through upper cut. But ended up hitting it straight to the hands of the deep third man. Punjab Kings have batting left and they will have to play out the tricky phase.

Finally a thrilling game in the fourth match. It is Punjab Kings, the home side, who yet again end on the winning side. The match got tight in the end, but Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett and Cooper Connolly took PBKS over finishing line. Connolly is the hero as he stayed throughout to take his side home. A massive debut for him and he plays a match-winning knock. The bowlers set up the win for them but the batters actually helped the register the victory. GT will be disappointed as a little better effort with the bat could have made them more competitive in the match.

Cooper Connoly was named played of the match for his knock of unbeaten 72 runs in 46 balls.

Highest scores on IPL debut innings:

158* - B McCullum (KKR) vs RCB, 2008

116* - Michael Hussey (CSK) vs KXIP, 2008

84* - Shaun Marsh (KXIP) vs Deccan, 2008

73 - Kyle Mayers (LSG) vs DC, 2023

72* - Cooper Connolly (PBKS) vs GT, 2026*

"I was just looking forward to play with world-class players. Superb performance from the team. (On his six-hitting) I am more of a tempo player. Working with Ricky has been great. Looking forward to the rest of the tournament. Not a lot was said, I was pretty relaxed. Marco was calm and so was Xavier. That's the first time I played him and I was trying to enjoy."

"It's nice (on his hand injury). Some of the shots he played was surreal. I was focusing on my hand and suddenly we lost wickets back-to-back. You have to remain calm. Cooper has got a great mindset and hope he continues his form. After the 3rd over, we realised the wicket is playing slow. We tried to make the ball old as quickly as possible. (On Vyshak) He is carrying forward the form that he performed in the final last year. He's a big match player. We need to carry this momentum going forward. I was (surprised on seeing the short leg fielder when he walked in to bat)."

"I think we bowled pretty well, but I think we just didn't get going in the last five or six overs, I'd say. Batting, it never looked like a 210-220 wicket. But I think if we would have had maybe 175, 180 was the target in the middle. Once the ball got older, it was difficult to hit it down the ground. In the second innings, rain continued, making the ball wet, which slightly improved batting conditions. So I don't think it stopped as much in the second innings. But nonetheless, I think we did a decent job. We kept the pressure on. I could've (on delaying Prasidh's introduction), but he came at the right time, took wickets and kept us in the game until the 17th and 18th over. All ifs and buts, but at that time, we thought, you know, with the wicket going a little bit slow, maybe a bowler who's quick and skinny might get us a few wickets. And he was bowling pretty well in the nets. So that was the thought process behind it. As for Ashok (Sharma), he works hard on the game, he's a good find for us. He bowled pretty well up front and I think in the back, he's definitely someone that, you know, I think as he keeps playing more matches and keeps getting more experience, he'll be very valuable for us. He's someone who works very hard, you know, on his game and is a pretty good fielder for us. And I actually met him during the camp a couple of months ago and I was very impressed by the way he was bowling with the new ball as well. Hopefully, he'll get a chance in some of the matches to show some of his skills with the new ball. Well done, boys. Hard luck and it wasn't the game for us, but I think we did decently well. It's just, you know, keep getting better and keep adding more intensity and keep giving your best. (on what he'd say to his team after today's defeat)."

Punjab Kings play on April 03, Friday against Chennai Super Kings

Gujarat Titans play on April 04, Saturday against Rajasthan Royals