Jason Holder's Four-Wicket Haul and Washington Sundar's Last-Ball Six Sees Gujarat Titans Beat Punjab Kings by Four Wickets

Key facts

• Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by four wickets at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
• Jason Holder took 4 wickets for 24 runs and was named Player of the Match.
• Sai Sudharsan scored 57 off 41 balls for Gujarat Titans.
• Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 40 off 23 balls, hitting the winning six off Marcus Stoinis on the last ball.
• Suryansh Shedge scored 57 off 29 balls for Punjab Kings, rescuing them from 47/5.
• Punjab Kings posted 163/9 in 20 overs; Gujarat Titans reached 167/6 in 19.5 overs.
• Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada each took 2 wickets for Gujarat Titans.
• The match was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with Gujarat winning the toss and electing to field.

A Last-Ball Thriller in Ahmedabad

Gujarat Titans clinched a dramatic four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 3. The match, which saw Gujarat chase down 164 runs in the final over, was decided by a last-ball six from Washington Sundar off Marcus Stoinis. Gujarat won the toss and chose to field, a decision that paid off as their bowlers ripped through Punjab's top order. The home side's victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance and a composed chase, though the middle-order wobble turned a comfortable pursuit into a tense finish.

Holder and Siraj Dismantle Punjab's Top Order

Punjab Kings' innings began disastrously as they lost five wickets for just 47 runs inside nine overs. Jason Holder was the chief destroyer, claiming four wickets for 24 runs, while Mohammed Siraj struck twice in his first over to leave Punjab reeling. Kagiso Rabada also took two wickets, ensuring Punjab never recovered from the early blows. The collapse left Punjab staring at a sub-140 total, but a counter-attacking partnership between Suryansh Shedge and Marcus Stoinis revived their innings. Shedge, a young batter, smashed 57 off 29 balls, while Stoinis contributed 40, adding 79 runs for the fourth wicket. Their efforts helped Punjab reach 163/9 in 20 overs, a total that seemed improbable at 47/5.

Sudharsan Anchors Gujarat's Chase

In response, Gujarat Titans' chase was anchored by Sai Sudharsan, who scored a composed 57 off 41 balls. His innings provided stability as wickets fell around him, ensuring Gujarat stayed on track. However, after Sudharsan's dismissal, the middle order lost momentum, and the required run rate began to climb. With 3 runs needed off the last two balls, Washington Sundar stepped up and smashed a six off Marcus Stoinis to seal the victory. Sundar remained unbeaten on 40 off 23 balls, hitting five fours and the winning six. His composure under pressure was crucial as Gujarat survived a late scare.

Punjab's Fightback Falls Short

Despite the loss, Punjab Kings showed resilience after being reduced to 47/5. Suryansh Shedge's aggressive innings and Stoinis's support gave them a fighting total. Shreyas Iyer's side, however, could not defend 163, as Gujarat's chase, though nervy, proved just enough. The defeat was Punjab's second consecutive loss, raising concerns about their playoff hopes. The team will need to address their top-order fragility and middle-over batting collapses to stay in contention.

Holder Named Player of the Match

Jason Holder was awarded the Player of the Match for his devastating spell of 4/24, which broke the back of Punjab's batting lineup. His ability to extract bounce and movement on a surface that demanded discipline was instrumental in restricting Punjab to a modest total. Holder's performance was complemented by Siraj and Rabada, who each took two wickets. The trio's combined effort highlighted Gujarat's bowling depth and their ability to defend or chase totals effectively.

Playoff Implications and What Lies Ahead

The win strengthened Gujarat Titans' position in the playoff race, moving them up the points table. For Punjab Kings, the loss added pressure as they slipped further behind in the standings. The team will need to regroup quickly, with their next match crucial for keeping playoff hopes alive. Gujarat, meanwhile, will look to build on this momentum, though their middle-order batting remains a concern. The team's ability to close out games under pressure will be tested in upcoming matches.

The bottom line

• Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by four wickets in a last-ball thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
• Jason Holder's 4/24 and Washington Sundar's unbeaten 40 off 23 balls were the standout performances.
• Sai Sudharsan's 57 anchored Gujarat's chase, while Suryansh Shedge's 57 rescued Punjab from 47/5.
• Punjab Kings suffered their second consecutive defeat, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
• Gujarat Titans strengthened their playoff position but need to address middle-order fragility.
• The match highlighted the importance of composure under pressure in T20 cricket.