Punjab Kings (PBKS) outclassed Gujarat Titans (GT) by 3 wickets in the 4th match of IPL 2026 at New Chandigarh Stadium in Tira, Punjab. After being invited to bat first, Gujarat Titans managed to score 162/6 in 20 overs. Shubman Gill (39 runs off 27 balls) was the highest scorer for Gujarat Titans, while Jos Buttler also contributed 38 runs off 37 balls. Vijaykumar Vyshak (3/34 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Punjab Kings, while Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 2 wickets.

While chasing, Punjab Kings lost Priyansh Arya early in the 2nd over, but Prabhsimran Singh and Cooper Connolly added a quickfire 76 runs for the second wicket. Things were going well for Punjab Kings until the 12th over, but they lost four quick wickets in the next 18 balls. Prasidh Krishna (3/29 in 4 overs) made a strong impact during this phase.

Cooper Connolly stayed calm under pressure and carried his team to the finish line with 5 balls to spare. He remained unbeaten on 72 runs off 44 balls. With this win, Punjab Kings started their campaign on a positive note.

Strong Start, Sudden Collapse

PBKS began confidently with Prabhsimran Singh attacking early alongside Connolly. The pair built momentum and looked in control. But the game changed when Prasidh Krishna struck and triggered a collapse that slowed down the chase.

Despite the setback, Connolly found support from Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett. Together, they steadied the innings and helped PBKS cross the finish line.

GT Falter with the Bat

GT did not have the best outing with the bat. Three of their top four batters got good starts but failed to convert them into big scores.

Yuzvendra Chahal made a strong impact with the ball. He dismissed both Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who were the top scorers with 39 and 38 runs respectively.

Another key difference came in power hitting. GT managed only three sixes, while PBKS smashed 14, giving them a clear advantage.

Chahal Leads the Charge

Chahal came into the attack when GT were well placed at 65 for 1 after seven overs. He used slower deliveries and smart variations to trouble Gill, dismissing him for the fourth time in IPL history. Gill’s slog sweep ended in a catch at deep midwicket.

Chahal struck again later to remove Buttler. After a few dot balls, Buttler attempted a big shot over long-on, but Bartlett took a fine high catch to end his innings.

Vyshak Shines in Death Overs

Vijaykumar Vyshak had a mixed start but finished strongly. Early in his spell, Gill and Buttler attacked him with boundaries and a six.

However, he bounced back by dismissing Glenn Phillips, who hit a catch to long-off. Vyshak then delivered excellent slower balls in the final overs. He removed Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan, both caught in the deep while trying big shots.

GT Lose Momentum Midway

GT started aggressively with Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Buttler playing attacking shots. They hit nine fours in the powerplay and looked set for a big total.

But the scoring rate dropped in the middle overs. GT managed 77 runs for the loss of three wickets during this phase. Buttler struggled to keep the momentum, facing 14 dot balls in his 38-run knock. Gill also slowed down after a quick start.

Phillips showed promise on debut with a six and a four early on but could not continue. In the end, GT’s top order failed to push past the 40-run mark.

Connolly and Prabhsimran Dominate Early

PBKS responded strongly in the chase. After Kagiso Rabada dismissed Priyansh Arya early, Connolly and Prabhsimran attacked the bowlers.

They smashed three sixes in a single over, matching GT’s entire six-hitting effort. Connolly continued his aggressive approach, hitting boundaries and back-to-back sixes off Rashid Khan.

Prabhsimran also played attacking shots but struggled against Rashid later. He managed only two runs off eight balls before getting out, caught at long-on.

Prasidh Sparks Collapse

Even after Prabhsimran’s dismissal, PBKS looked comfortable. Shreyas Iyer added quick runs with two sixes. But Prasidh Krishna turned the game again. He dismissed Iyer with a catch at deep midwicket. This wicket triggered a sudden collapse.

PBKS lost four wickets in just 16 balls for only eight runs. Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, and Marcus Stoinis all fell quickly as GT tightened their grip.

Connolly Finishes the Job

At 121 for 6, PBKS needed 42 runs from 30 balls, and the match was evenly balanced. However, Connolly stayed composed under pressure. He attacked Rabada in the 16th over, hitting boundaries to bring up his half-century and shift the momentum back.

Jansen and Bartlett then added crucial sixes in the later overs, easing the pressure. Their contributions helped PBKS seal the match comfortably in the end.