Punjab Kings secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in their season opener, chasing down 163 with five balls to spare at home. In a match defined by composure under pressure, PBKS were powered by a superb all-round team effort, headlined by Cameron Connolly’s match-winning unbeaten half-century on debut and a disciplined bowling display led by Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yuzvendra Chahal.

After choosing to bowl, Punjab Kings ensured the innings never got away from them by striking at regular intervals.

Vijaykumar Vyshak was particularly effective, returning figures of 3/34, while Yuzvendra Chahal once again delivered in key moments with 2/28. Their efforts, backed by disciplined execution across the bowling unit, restricted Gujarat Titans to 162/6 from their 20 overs.

In reply, Punjab Kings made an assured start, moving to 55/1 in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh and debutant Cameron Connolly forged a superb second wicket partnership to drive the chase. However, the hosts stuttered briefly, losing 4 wickets in a space of two overs.

Connolly brought up an impressive maiden half-century, in a knock that blended calmness with controlled aggression. Even as wickets fell at the other end and the equation tightened in the closing stages, the Australian all-rounder remained composed to guide the chase deep.

The unbeaten Aussie helped by timely cameos from Xavier Barlett and Marco Jansen took PBKS home with 5 deliveries to spare. Connolly was deservedly named Player of the Match as Punjab Kings registered an important win in dramatic fashion.