Shedge's 57, Sundar's 40 lead Gujarat Titans to tense four-wicket win over Punjab Kings

Key facts

• Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by four wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on May 3.
• Punjab Kings scored 163/9 in 20 overs; Gujarat Titans reached 167/6 in 19.5 overs.
• Suryansh Shedge scored 57 off 29 balls for Punjab, rescuing them from 47/5.
• Sai Sudharsan top-scored for Gujarat with 57 off 41 balls.
• Washington Sundar hit an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls to steer Gujarat home.
• Jason Holder was named Player of the Match for his bowling figures.
• Mohammed Siraj, Jason Holder, and Kagiso Rabada shared key wickets for Gujarat.
• Gujarat won the toss and elected to field first.

Gujarat survive final-over scare to edge past Punjab

Gujarat Titans secured a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in a tense IPL 2026 encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 3. The win was not straightforward, as Punjab's late fight turned a seemingly comfortable chase into a nail-biting final-over finish. Chasing 164, Gujarat lost captain Shubman Gill early but steadied through Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler. However, the middle order faltered, leaving Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia to finish the job. Sundar's composed 40 off 23 balls ensured Gujarat crossed the line with one ball to spare.

Shedge's counterattack rescues Punjab from early collapse

Punjab Kings' innings was in shambles at 47 for five inside nine overs, thanks to incisive bowling from Mohammed Siraj, Jason Holder, and Kagiso Rabada. Siraj struck twice in his first over, and Holder claimed his third and fourth wickets to leave Punjab reeling. Suryansh Shedge then launched a remarkable counterattack, scoring 57 off 29 balls. His innings, supported by Marco Jansen at the crease, lifted Punjab to a respectable 163 for nine. Shedge's rescue act was the sole reason Punjab reached a competitive total.

Sudharsan anchors chase but middle order wobbles

Sai Sudharsan played a mature innings of 57 off 41 balls, anchoring Gujarat's pursuit with calm and precision. He absorbed early pressure and rotated strike effectively, ensuring Gujarat stayed on track even as wickets fell. Despite Sudharsan's stability, Gujarat's middle order struggled to dominate. The chase, which should have been straightforward, became tense as Punjab's bowlers clawed back. Sudharsan's departure left Sundar and Tewatia to navigate the final overs.

Sundar and Tewatia finish in style

With 17 runs needed off the last two overs, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia held their nerve. Sundar's aggressive stroke play, including crucial boundaries, brought the required rate down. He finished unbeaten on 40 from 23 balls. Tewatia provided support at the other end, rotating strike and keeping the scoreboard moving. The pair added a vital partnership that guided Gujarat to victory with one ball to spare, sparking celebrations in the dugout.

Pitch and bowling conditions dictate play

The Ahmedabad pitch offered assistance to seamers, with hard lengths and pace-off deliveries gripping enough to demand patience. Mohammed Siraj, Jason Holder, and Kagiso Rabada exploited these conditions perfectly, making run-scoring difficult for Punjab's top order. Gujarat's bowling unit, described as 'complete' by former player Ambati Rayudu, lived up to its billing. The seamers' discipline and ability to extract bounce and movement kept Punjab in check for most of their innings.

Punjab's second straight defeat but signs of fight

Punjab Kings suffered their second consecutive loss, but this performance offered reasons for optimism. Despite being outplayed for large parts, Shreyas Iyer's side fought back to nearly snatch victory from a losing position. The partnership between Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting has been credited with rebuilding the team's culture. A senior official noted, 'I have never heard a negative word come from Shreyas Iyer or Ricky Ponting,' highlighting the positive environment within the camp.

What lies ahead for both teams

Gujarat Titans will look to build on this win, though their middle-order fragility remains a concern. Shubman Gill will need to address these issues as the tournament progresses. Punjab Kings, despite the loss, can take heart from their fightback. With Shedge's emergence and a resilient bowling attack, they remain competitive. The IPL 2026 season is still young, and both teams have time to refine their strategies.

The bottom line

• Suryansh Shedge's 57 off 29 balls rescued Punjab from 47/5, setting up a competitive total of 163/9.
• Sai Sudharsan's 57 off 41 anchored Gujarat's chase, but middle-order fragility made it tense.
• Washington Sundar's unbeaten 40 off 23 balls guided Gujarat to victory with one ball to spare.
• Gujarat's seamers (Siraj, Holder, Rabada) exploited the Ahmedabad pitch effectively, taking early wickets.
• Punjab's second straight defeat showed resilience, with Shreyas Iyer's leadership praised internally.
• The match highlighted the importance of composure in run-chases and the impact of individual brilliance.