Holder's Four-Wicket Haul and Sundar's Final-Over Six Lift Gujarat Titans Past Punjab Kings

Key facts

• Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by four wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on May 3, 2026.
• Jason Holder was named Player of the Match for figures of 4/24 from four overs.
• Sai Sudharsan top-scored for Gujarat Titans with 57 off 41 balls.
• Suryansh Shedge scored his maiden IPL fifty, rescuing Punjab Kings from 47/5 to 163/9.
• Mohammed Siraj struck twice in the first over of Punjab's innings.
• Washington Sundar hit the winning six off Marcus Stoinis in the final over.
• Punjab Kings remain top of the IPL 2026 points table despite back-to-back defeats.
• Gujarat Titans have now won three consecutive matches, including victories over top-two sides RCB and PBKS.

A Thriller in Ahmedabad

Gujarat Titans edged Punjab Kings by four wickets in a gripping contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The chase of 163 went down to the final over, with Washington Sundar smashing a six off Marcus Stoinis to seal victory with one ball to spare. For long stretches, Gujarat appeared in control, but a late fight from Punjab turned the match into a tense finish. The win was Gujarat's third in a row, while Punjab suffered their second straight defeat.

Punjab's Early Collapse and Shedge's Rescue

Asked to bat first, Punjab Kings were rocked early by Mohammed Siraj, who struck twice in the opening over. Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder followed suit, reducing Punjab to 47 for five inside nine overs. From that precarious position, Suryansh Shedge produced a counterattacking innings, scoring his maiden IPL fifty. Supported by Marcus Stoinis and a late push from Marco Jansen, Shedge helped Punjab reach 163 for nine in their 20 overs.

Sudharsan Anchors the Chase

Gujarat's reply began with the early loss of captain Shubman Gill. However, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler rebuilt the innings, with Sudharsan playing the anchor role to perfection. He scored 57 off 41 balls, rotating the strike and absorbing pressure as wickets fell around him. Despite Sudharsan's composure, Gujarat's middle order struggled to assert dominance, allowing Punjab to stay in the game. His departure injected belief into the Punjab camp, setting up a nervy finish.

Holder's Impact and the Bowling Effort

Jason Holder was the standout bowler for Gujarat, claiming four wickets for 24 runs. He credited Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada for their early breakthroughs, which made his job easier in the middle overs. Holder said his role was about executing plans, and he expressed disappointment at not finishing off the previous two games but felt things were going well overall. His figures were crucial in restricting Punjab to a chaseable total.

Sundar's Cool Head Under Pressure

With 13 runs needed off the final over, Washington Sundar remained calm. He struck a boundary early in the over and then, with two needed off the last ball, he inside-edged a yorker for a single before hitting the winning six off a full toss. Sundar said he focused on using the field smartly and staying calm, backing his strengths. His six over deep fine leg sealed the victory and sparked relief in the Gujarat camp.

Captains Reflect on the Contest

Gujarat captain Shubman Gill acknowledged that his team is peaking at the right time but stressed the need to win more convincingly. He noted that the pitch demanded patience and that Washington Sundar's composure was key. Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer defended his team's effort, calling 163 a good score on a surface that offered help to seamers. He lamented the early wickets but praised the middle order's fight. Iyer said Punjab remain top of the table and will take positives from the character shown.

Playoff Implications and What's Next

The result tightens the playoff race, with Gujarat Titans moving up the standings after three consecutive wins, including victories over top-two sides Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings. Punjab, despite back-to-back defeats, still lead the table. Punjab's next match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Wednesday, May 6. Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Saturday, May 9. Both teams will look to build on their performances as the tournament enters its decisive phase.

The bottom line

• Jason Holder's 4/24 was decisive in restricting Punjab to 163 after an early collapse.
• Suryansh Shedge's maiden IPL fifty rescued Punjab from 47/5, showcasing the team's fighting spirit.
• Sai Sudharsan's composed 57 anchored Gujarat's chase, but the middle order's fragility remains a concern.
• Washington Sundar's cool-headed six in the final over highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
• Gujarat Titans have won three straight matches, including against top-two sides, signaling strong playoff momentum.
• Punjab Kings remain top of the table despite consecutive losses, with their next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.