Following a stellar debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) with a matchwinning 72* against Gujarat Titans (GT), young Australia all-rounder Cooper Connolly once again contributed with the bat in the game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) tonight (April 3). Connolly registered a crucial 36 off 22 at No.3 to continue the momentum given by an explosive start from Priyansh Arya’s 11-ball 39 and helped PBKS stay on track in their successful chase of a tall 210-run target.
While Connolly has given a consistent testament to his batting prowess, the dynamic all-rounder is yet to be used for his handy left-arm orthodox spin in IPL 2026. The 22-year-old can be a genuine wicket-taking option with the ball, as was evident from his 15-wicket season in the Big Bash League (BBL 2025-26) earlier this year.
When quizzed on the same lines, Cooper expressed regret but remained confident of sharing bowling responsibilities soon. He said at the post-match presentation ceremony after the CSK vs PBKS game,
“Hopefully I’ll have the ball in my hand pretty soon. But yeah, I’m looking forward to sort of getting out there and showcasing the skills with the ball. But yeah, it’s unfortunate that I haven’t been able to bowl at the moment. Looking forward to sort of getting back on the park and bowling.”
ALSO READ:
Speaking about the CSK vs PBKS game, the five-time champions put up a big score of 209/5 in 20 overs, courtesy of a flamboyant knock from their batting talent Ayush Mhatre, who blasted a fiery 43-ball 73 comprising six boundaries and five maximums. Shivam Dube also added a quickfire 27-ball 45 along with Sarfaraz Khan’s 12-ball 32.
Coming to the chase, Priyansh Arya got PBKS off to a flying start with an 11-ball 39 that set the tone of the PBKS innings. Arya, in fact, also won the Player of the Match Award despite facing just 11 balls after Punjab wrapped up the contest with five wickets and eight balls remaining. His opening partner Prabhsimran scored 43(34) and built on the momentum, followed by Connolly’s 36(22) before Shreyas Iyer scored a deft fifty to inch PBKS closer to the finish line and maintain their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026 with two consecutive wins.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
