Cooper Connolly, an emerging Australian star for Punjab Kings (PBKS), has surpassed Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya’s debut Indian Premier League (IPL) sixes record. Connolly achieved this during PBKS’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), scoring 37 runs in 22 balls, including three fours and three sixes, with a strike rate of 168.18.
Connolly has been PBKS’ top scorer in the tournament, amassing 473 runs in 12 innings at an average of 47.30 and a strike rate of 162.54. He has hit 32 sixes and 39 fours, including a century (107) and two fifties.
Jayasuriya, who set the record in IPL’s inaugural season in 2008 while playing for Mumbai Indians (MI), had smashed 31 sixes. He was the third-highest run-getter that season with 514 runs in 14 innings at an average of 42.83 and a strike rate of 166.34.
In the match, RCB scored 222/4 thanks to strong performances by Virat Kohli (58), Devdutt Padikkal (45), Venkatesh Iyer (73), and Tim David (28). PBKS struggled in their chase, losing key batters early, but Connolly and Suryansh Shedge provided brief hope with their scores. However, RCB won by 23 runs.
RCB secured a playoff spot with nine wins and 18 points. PBKS, fourth in the table, faces an uphill battle to qualify for the playoffs, needing their rivals Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to underperform. If PBKS wins their final match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), they could secure the fourth playoff spot with 15 points.