Washington Sundar's last-over six seals Gujarat Titans' four-wicket win over Punjab Kings

Key facts

• Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by 4 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.
• Jason Holder took 4/24 for Gujarat Titans, earning Player of the Match.
• Suryansh Shedge scored 57 off 29 balls for Punjab Kings, his maiden IPL fifty.
• Sai Sudharsan anchored Gujarat's chase with 57 off 41 balls.
• Washington Sundar hit a six off the last ball to seal the win, finishing 40* off 23.
• Punjab Kings remain top of the table despite back-to-back defeats.
• Gujarat Titans have now won three consecutive matches.

Lede: A thriller in Ahmedabad

Gujarat Titans survived a tense final-over scare to beat Punjab Kings by four wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 3. The victory was sealed when Washington Sundar smashed a six off Marcus Stoinis's full toss with one ball to spare. The win extends Gujarat's winning streak to three matches, while Punjab suffer their second straight defeat.

Punjab's innings: Shedge's rescue act after top-order collapse

Asked to bat first, Punjab Kings were reduced to 47 for 5 inside nine overs, as Mohammed Siraj struck twice in the opening over and Jason Holder and Kagiso Rabada followed suit. Suryansh Shedge then produced a counterpunching 57 off 29 balls, his maiden IPL fifty, with support from Marcus Stoinis. A late push from Marco Jansen helped Punjab reach 163 for 9, a total that seemed improbable at the halfway mark.

Gujarat's chase: Sudharsan anchors, middle order wobbles

Chasing 164, Gujarat lost Shubman Gill early, but Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler steadied the innings. Sudharsan played a composed knock of 57 off 41 balls, rotating strike and building partnerships. However, Gujarat's middle order again struggled to dominate, and wickets fell at regular intervals. When Sudharsan departed, the equation became tight, but Washington Sundar stepped up with a calculated 40 off 23 balls to guide his side home.

Key performers: Holder and Siraj set up the win

Jason Holder's 4 for 24 was the standout bowling performance, earning him the Player of the Match award. He credited Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj for their early breakthroughs that made his job easier. Siraj's double strike in the first over set the tone, while Rabada maintained pressure throughout. Holder admitted disappointment at not finishing off the last couple of games but felt his overall form was good.

Captains' reactions: Gill pleased, Iyer takes positives

Gujarat captain Shubman Gill said his team is peaking at the right time but stressed the need to win more convincingly. He noted that the pitch did not allow quick chases and praised Washington Sundar for getting the job done. Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer called 163 a good score on a pitch that offered help to seamers. He credited Gujarat's bowlers for exploiting the surface and said his side's character was high, despite falling short in execution.

Context and implications: Playoff race tightens

The result keeps Punjab Kings at the top of the IPL 2026 table, but their lead is narrowing after consecutive losses. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, have climbed with three wins on the trot, including victories against top-two teams RCB and PBKS. Both teams have crucial upcoming fixtures: Punjab travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers on May 6, while Gujarat face Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on May 9.

Outlook: Lessons for both sides

Gujarat's ability to close out tight games will be tested in the playoffs, but their bowling attack looks formidable. Punjab, despite the loss, showed resilience in dragging the game to the brink. The middle-order fragility of both teams remains a concern, but the depth in batting and bowling gives each side reasons for optimism. The IPL 2026 season continues to deliver high drama, with the playoff race wide open.

The bottom line

• Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets in a last-over thriller in Ahmedabad.
• Jason Holder's 4/24 and Mohammed Siraj's early strikes set up Gujarat's win.
• Suryansh Shedge's maiden IPL fifty (57 off 29) revived Punjab from 47/5.
• Sai Sudharsan (57 off 41) anchored Gujarat's chase, but middle-order wobbles made it close.
• Washington Sundar hit a six off the final ball to seal victory, finishing 40* off 23.
• Punjab remain top of the table despite back-to-back losses; Gujarat have won three in a row.