New Chandigarh, April 1 (IANS) Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas has congratulated Punjab Kings (PBKS) for starting off their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on a high note by beating the 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

In a post on X, the BCCI president shared the glimpses of the match where he was also present and took part in the post-match presentation. He congratulated Punjab on their first win at their home ground, while also trusting the Shubman Gill-led side to make a good comeback.

“Many congratulations to @PunjabKingsIPL for their first win at their home ground. @gujarat_titans are a formidable unit, and I am sure they will bounce back strongly,” he wrote on X.

Speaking of the match, Punjab Kings secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over GT, chasing down 163 with five balls to spare at home.

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. Even as wickets fell at the other end, 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.

PBKS will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. GT will clash with the 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals, at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on April 4.

–IANS

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