Sport

Shedge's 57 and Sundar's 40 seal four-wicket thriller as Gujarat Titans edge Punjab Kings

A career-best four-wicket haul from Jason Holder and a composed half-century from Sai Sudharsan set the stage before Washington Sundar's late fireworks snatched victory from a resurgent Punjab side.

3 min
Shedge's 57 and Sundar's 40 seal four-wicket thriller as Gujarat Titans edge Punjab Kings
A career-best four-wicket haul from Jason Holder and a composed half-century from Sai Sudharsan set the stage before WasCredit · ESPNcricinfo

Key facts

  • Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets in Match 46 of TATA IPL 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
  • Punjab Kings posted 163/9 in 20 overs after being reduced to 47/5; Suryansh Shedge scored 57 off 29 balls.
  • Jason Holder took 4 wickets for Gujarat Titans, earning Player of the Match honors.
  • Mohammed Siraj struck twice in the first over, dismissing Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly.
  • Sai Sudharsan anchored the chase with 57 off 41 balls for Gujarat Titans.
  • Washington Sundar smashed 40 off 23 balls to guide Gujarat to 167/6 in 19.5 overs.
  • Punjab Kings' Arshdeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak took 2 wickets each, keeping the match tight.

A low-scoring thriller in Ahmedabad

The Gujarat Titans secured a four-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings in a tense, low-scoring encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 164, the Titans stumbled early but recovered through a measured half-century from Sai Sudharsan and a blistering cameo from Washington Sundar, reaching 167 for 6 with one ball to spare. The win marked Gujarat's third consecutive victory of the season, while Punjab suffered their second straight defeat.

Gujarat's bowling assault dismantles Punjab's top order

After winning the toss, Gujarat captain Shubman Gill elected to bowl first on a pitch offering early bounce and movement. Mohammed Siraj delivered a devastating first over, dismissing Priyansh Arya caught by debutant Nishant Sindhu on the second ball, then trapping Cooper Connolly for a golden duck with a jaffa. Kagiso Rabada, bowling at speeds exceeding 152 kmph, added a maiden-wicket over, removing Prabhsimran Singh for 15. Jason Holder then tore through the middle order, claiming four wickets to leave Punjab reeling at 47 for 5 inside nine overs.

Suryansh Shedge's rescue act revives Punjab

From the depths of 47 for 5, young Suryansh Shedge launched a stunning counter-attack, smashing 57 off just 29 balls to register his maiden IPL fifty. He found able support from veteran Marcus Stoinis, who anchored the innings with a composed 40 off 31 deliveries. The pair added a vital 79-run partnership, and a late 20-run cameo from Marco Jansen pushed Punjab to a fighting total of 163 for 9. Shedge's innings, featuring clean striking and remarkable maturity, turned a certain collapse into a competitive score.

Sudharsan anchors chase as wickets fall around him

Gujarat's chase began poorly when captain Shubman Gill fell for just 5 runs. However, Sai Sudharsan played the anchor role to perfection, compiling a steady 57 off 41 balls with five boundaries and a six. He rotated strike intelligently and punished loose deliveries, building a 53-run partnership with Jos Buttler (26 off 22). Despite Sudharsan's composure, Punjab's bowlers struck back: Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed Buttler and other middle-order batters, finishing with 2 for 31, while Arshdeep Singh claimed 2 for 24, keeping the required rate climbing.

Washington Sundar's late fireworks seal dramatic win

With the required run rate mounting and the match slipping into the final overs, Washington Sundar arrived at the crease and played a match-winning cameo. He scored a rapid 40 off just 23 balls, laced with five fours and a six, displaying ice-cool temperament under pressure. Sundar's calculated aggression guided Gujarat to 167 for 6 in 19.5 overs, securing a dramatic four-wicket victory. The win was Gujarat's third on the trot, while Punjab were left to rue a second straight loss despite a spirited fightback.

Punjab's fightback offers pride but no points

Punjab Kings, despite being second-best for most of the match, dragged the contest to the brink through disciplined bowling and late resistance. Arshdeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak bowled with heart, picking up crucial wickets and keeping the scoring rate in check. Shreyas Iyer's side, though defeated, could take pride in their fight after being reduced to 47 for 5. The pitch at Ahmedabad demanded method and patience, rewarding hard lengths and pace-off deliveries, a lesson both teams absorbed.

The bottom line

  • Jason Holder's career-best 4-wicket haul and Mohammed Siraj's double-wicket first over set up Gujarat's victory.
  • Suryansh Shedge's maiden IPL fifty (57 off 29) rescued Punjab from 47/5 to a competitive 163/9.
  • Sai Sudharsan's composed 57 off 41 provided the foundation for Gujarat's chase.
  • Washington Sundar's unbeaten 40 off 23 balls proved decisive in a tense final-over finish.
  • Punjab's second straight defeat leaves them vulnerable in the playoff race despite a spirited performance.
  • The match highlighted the importance of adapting to pitch conditions, with seamers dominating early and batters needing restraint.
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