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Up to date: Might 07, 2026 14:24 IST
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], Might 7 (ANI): Punjab Kings (PBKS) continues to keep up its place among the many high contenders within the IPL 2026 standings, at present sitting in second place with 13 factors after a high-scoring encounter in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Though the end result favoured the hosts in a 33-run victory, the fixture offered a big silver lining for the facet by means of younger Australian Cooper Connolly, who grew to become the youngest abroad participant to attain a century in IPL historical past.
Dealing with a difficult goal of 236 on the Rajiv Gandhi Worldwide Stadium, the Kings confirmed resilience following a troublesome begin to the innings. Connolly anchored the chase with a decided 107 off simply 59 deliveries. His efficiency, which included seven boundaries and eight sixes, noticed him surpass a decade-old report held by Quinton de Kock to assert the milestone at simply 22 years of age.
Reflecting on the historic knock, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule highlighted Connolly’s distinctive temperament and the brilliant future he holds throughout the franchise, as per a press launch from PBKS.
“He’s any person who could be very optimistic, and he is an important potential, undoubtedly. He is obtained head on his shoulders, and he is a complete workforce man,” Bahutule mentioned. “To see an abroad participant at that age come and adapt to totally different venues and pitches in India so shortly has been fabulous. Even when it felt like a shedding trigger, he made certain the momentum stayed on to see how shut we might get.”
Regardless of the challenges within the subject, the teaching workers stays firmly behind the squad, pointing to the tradition of unity and character that Head Coach Ricky Ponting has instilled within the dressing room.
“The values created by Ricky are that we help one another and again one another. Ups and downs are going to be there, however we are going to take up that problem and are available again stronger,” Bahutule famous. “It is a match of ups and downs, and we’re very clear within the model of cricket we need to play. We’ll simply deal with one sport at a time and hold our mindsets calm.”
With the workforce now transferring to their dwelling base in Dharamshala for an important three-match stint, there’s an air of pleasure to reclaim profitable momentum.
“Dharamshala is an effective venue, and we are going to ensure we reap the benefits of that dwelling floor. We have had an excellent first half, and whereas there’s a little hurdle now, we are going to choose ourselves up once more. We’ll get higher and stronger because the video games go by,” Bahutule concluded.
Punjab Kings will return to motion subsequent week in opposition to Delhi Capitals as they appear to solidify their playoff spot in entrance of a house crowd on the HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala. (ANI)