Mumbai, April 1 Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined after his team fell behind the required over-rate during the fourth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
PBKS defeated the 2022 champions by three wickets after chasing down a 163-run target in 19.1 overs. While the Shubman Gill-led side posed as a threat and kept adding pressure, Cooper Connolly’s unbeaten 44-ball 72-run knock sealed the deal for the Punjab-based franchise as they opened their campaign on a high.
However, Iyer faced repercussions for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first innings, resulting in a breach of the IPL’s code of conduct.
“Punjab Kings (PBKS) Captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 4 at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
"As this was his team’s first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Iyer was fined Rs. 12 lakhs,” IPL said in a statement.
Making his debut, Connolly anchored the innings with a superb knock. After an early setback, Prabhsimran Singh counterattacked with 37, sharing a 76-run stand with Connolly. Despite a middle-order collapse triggered by Prasidh Krishna, Connolly held his nerve to guide Punjab home with five balls remaining.
Earlier, Gujarat posted 162/6 after a strong start led by Shubman Gill (39) and Jos Buttler (38). However, disciplined bowling from Punjab, especially Vijaykumar Vyshak (3/34) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2 wickets), restricted further acceleration. Gujarat’s middle order failed to capitalise, and Connolly’s composed debut knock ultimately proved decisive in securing victory for Punjab.
PBKS will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
--IANS
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