Punjab Kings secured a 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in match 29 of the IPL 2026, remaining unbeaten so far. Batting first, they scored 254 runs, with Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly contributing half-centuries.
Connolly, just 22 years old, played a key role in a partnership worth 182 runs with Arya. He scored 87 runs off 46 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes in an impressive innings.
Reflecting on the match, Connolly praised the pitch and his teammates during a post-game interview. “The wicket was good,” he said. “Priyansh has been successful over the years, and I enjoyed watching him bat while waiting for my turn.”
He also noted that batting first allows the team to control the game. “We just focus on playing good shots, putting pressure on the opposition’s bowlers, and taking advantage of any loose deliveries,” he explained.
Punjab Kings now leads the IPL table with five wins and a no-result, earning them 11 points. Meanwhile, LSG sits in eighth place with two wins and four losses.
LSG had moments of resistance, including a strong opening partnership between Ayush Badoni and Mitchell Marsh, as well as a late counter-attack by Rishabh Pant. However, their efforts weren’t enough to chase down the target.
With this win, Punjab Kings became the first team in IPL history to remain unbeaten after six matches. They will face Delhi Capitals next in New Delhi on Saturday.
Connolly remained humble about their success. “We’ll take each game as it comes,” he said. “We focus on what’s ahead and keep improving each day. That’s how we’ve been performing so far, and we’ll continue that approach.”
The team’s determination to stay focused and improve has been key to their success this season.