PBKS vs GT Match 4 Results

6:22 PM IST The victorious skipper of Punjab Kings - Shreyas Iyer says that he does not want to jinx anything and hopes that his hand will be fine. Adds that it was a pleasure to watch Cooper Connolly play some of those shots. To hit a bowler like Rashid Khan so cleanly and neatly takes a special talent. Iyer shares that he was more focused on his hand when they lost a couple of wickets quickly, and it got a bit tense but these things happen in cricket. He had the belief in Cooper, who was set and had a great mindset, already doing similar things for Australia. Mentions that after the 3rd over, they realised the wicket was on the slower side and bowling into the wicket and slower ones was the way to go here. Iyer praises Vijaykumar Vyshak and says he is carrying his form from last year's final and it is great to see him perform consistently. He admits he was a bit surprised when Gill placed a short-leg for him and also reckons it is good to see the captains attacking.

6:22 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Undoubtedly, it is Cooper Connolly who wins the award for his match-winning 72* off 44. He says he was simply eager to get out there and share the field with world-class players. He adds that starting the season with a win was exactly what the side wanted. On his build-up, he describes it as a reset through a couple of practice days at home, time with family and friends, and a conscious decision to walk into the IPL as fresh as possible. Connolly says range hitting is not quite his thing. He identifies as a tempo player who relies on feel and lets his hands do the work rather than chasing big hits. He speaks warmly about his time working with Ricky Ponting, calling the first five days great and saying he is looking forward to what lies ahead in the tournament. On what was being said in the middle when the chase got difficult, Connolly reveals he kept it brief. He says that he felt calm and still believed the side was well placed. Details that Marco Jansen was composed, and Xavier Bartlett came out with a big smile on his face, which said it all. Connolly adds that the time he has spent with Xavier before made that partnership feel natural. He adds that he is looking forward to the rest of the tournament.

6:16 PM IST Until next time - That’s all from this game, where last season’s finalists, the Punjab Kings get the better of Gujarat Titans, setting the tone early in the season. Now, only two teams remain to take the field - Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants, who will battle it out at the Ekana Stadium on 1st April, Wednesday. The match will begin at 2 pm GMT (7:30 pm IST), and as always, you can join us early for all the build-up. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

6:11 PM IST Debut delight for Connolly - Despite losing Arya early, Punjab got off to a strong start through Connolly and Prabhsimran Singh, with both showcasing their class and power to add over 50 in the Powerplay and 76 in total before Singh was dismissed. Iyer then joined the Australian in the middle and the duo stitched together another solid stand, making the chase look straightforward. However, the tide turned when Iyer took a blow on his right hand from Cooper and fell on the very next ball. Punjab suddenly slipped from 110/2 to 118/6, but the positive for them was that Connolly was still at the crease. He kept his composure, bringing up his maiden IPL fifty on debut in fine fashion and ensured he guided his side over the line, staying unbeaten on 72 off 44, with Jansen and Xavier Bartlett also playing handy supporting roles.

6:08 PM IST Let's hear from Xavier Bartlett - On hitting a six against Prasidh Krishna, Bartlett says he was anticipating the short ball and set himself up accordingly. He reveals a quick chat with Connolly at the other end, who was batting well and kept the message simple - pick up the ball, and if it's in your zone, go for it. Bartlett is glad it came off. Detailing about Buttler's catch that he took at long on, Bartlett credits that to the hours he puts into his fielding, and traces some of that athleticism back to his football days growing up. He says he timed the jump well and was glad it stuck. On the win, he calls it a great feeling to open the season with a victory at home, adding that playing in front of the Punjab crowd made it sweeter.

6:06 PM IST The captain of Gujarat Titans - Shubman Gill appreciates a strong bowling effort but concedes the side lost its grip in the final four to five overs, allowing the runs to flow too freely. Gill reveals the dressing room read the pitch as a 170-180 surface, not a 200-plus one. He says the target felt within reach at one stage but wickets kept falling at the wrong time and the side failed to bat through the back end. On the conditions, he notes the older ball made it hard to hit straight, with the pitch offering little pace and even less grip in the second innings. Gill explains the ball got wet due to rain during their bowling, which killed the grip off the surface and made it harder to contain in the second innings. Bishop asks Gill whether Prasidh Krishna was brought into the attack a little too late. To which, Gill concedes he could have brought Prasidh on earlier but insists the side stayed in the game till the end and there will always be questions in hindsight. He backs Ashok Sharma, saying he bowled well both up front and at the death, and believes the youngster will only grow in value with more game time. Gill speaks warmly of him as a hard worker and a fine fielder, adding that a camp meeting a couple of months ago left him genuinely impressed. Signing off, Gill keeps his message to the team simple - well done, hard luck, stay intense, keep giving everything.