GT edge PBKS in last-over thriller

The IPL 2026 table continues to tighten, and Gujarat Titans added to the congestion with a tense last-over win against Punjab Kings. Gujarat have now won three matches in a row, while Punjab Kings have slipped to back-to-back defeats after opening the season with seven straight wins.

Punjab Kings remain top of the standings, but their advantage has shrunk to just one point over Gujarat Titans in fifth place. Notably, Gujarat are still the only side in the top five with a negative net run rate, underlining a pattern of narrow, controlled victories rather than dominant results.

This match followed that same script. Gujarat largely dictated terms but were forced deep into the chase, eventually getting over the line with one ball remaining.

Their fast bowlers set up the contest. Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder exploited bounce and seam movement to reduce Punjab Kings to 47 for 5. A recovery led by Suryansh Shedge and Marcus Stoinis carried Punjab to 163 for 9, but the total stayed within Gujarat’s reach.

Sai Sudharsan anchored the chase with a composed 57, yet Gujarat never broke away from the required rate. The pressure built steadily, leaving 11 needed in the final over. Washington Sundar finished the job with a six off the penultimate ball.

The defining pattern continues — Gujarat are consistently restricting opponents and completing tight chases without needing explosive scoring.

Siraj and Rabada set the tone

On a black-soil pitch with grass covering, the conditions immediately favoured seamers hitting hard lengths. Siraj struck early, first inducing a miscued pull from Priyansh Arya before dismissing him, and then removing Cooper Connolly with a delivery that jagged back in.

Rabada matched that control from the other end, repeatedly beating the bat. His sixth over stood out, featuring the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh with a 152kph delivery and four successive dot balls. Punjab Kings were restricted to 35 for 3 in the powerplay, their lowest return since IPL 2025.

Holder deepens the damage

Jason Holder’s height and bounce added further pressure. He dismissed Nehal Wadhera with a hard-length delivery before bowling Shreyas Iyer off the inside edge. At that point, Punjab Kings were five down and under significant pressure.

Shedge and Stoinis revive innings

Punjab’s recovery came through a 79-run partnership between Shedge and Stoinis. Shedge accelerated sharply after a slow start, bringing up a 24-ball half-century and targeting Manav Suthar in an over that yielded 27 runs.

However, Rabada’s extra bounce ended Shedge’s innings on 57, and Holder returned to remove Stoinis and Xavier Bartlett in quick succession. Punjab Kings added only 45 runs in the final five overs to finish on 163.

GT hold nerve in chase

Gujarat’s batting reflected their broader approach this season. Sai Sudharsan led with 57, while Jos Buttler’s 26 off 22 and Washington Sundar’s late contribution ensured steady progress without acceleration.

Even as wickets fell late, Gujarat maintained composure. With 11 required in the final over, Arshad Khan struck a boundary before Sundar sealed the win with a controlled six over fine leg.

This result reinforces Gujarat Titans’ method — disciplined bowling followed by measured chases. It also tightens the table further, leaving Punjab Kings’ position at the top increasingly under pressure.

Also check out:

KKR end SRH streak as Varun, Narine turn the game