Punjab Kings were handed a 33-run defeat by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2026 match on Wednesday. The loss came despite a determined effort from Cooper Connolly, as SRH’s bowling and batting combined to lift them to the summit of the points table.
Priyansh Arya’s short-ball dismissal draws attention
During the chase, PBKS opener Priyansh Arya was dismissed by SRH captain Pat Cummins. The Australian fast bowler delivered a short ball that angled away from the batter, and Priyansh looked to pull it towards deep square leg. Eshan Malinga was positioned well and completed a solid catch, ending Arya’s stay.
That kind of dismissal has been a recurring theme for Priyansh in IPL matches, with short deliveries frequently troubling him. Former India all-rounder R Ashwin weighed in on the situation, urging PBKS not to reshuffle the batting order, but to address the specific problem with a clear plan.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he would not change the order immediately, pointing out that Priyansh tends to get a touch too still when the ball arrives. Ashwin added that the batter has often been dismissed while trying to lift the ball over the front, and that bowlers such as Cummins can expose batters by varying angle, bounce and pace.
Ashwin also suggested that Priyansh could seek help from PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting, noting that Ponting—known as one of the finest exponents of the pull shot—could guide him with both technical and tactical adjustments to handle deliveries of this nature.
SRH’s 235 for 4 sets the tone
Earlier, Sunrisers Hyderabad produced an all-round performance to outplay Punjab Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday, with Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan providing the late surge that ensured a commanding total. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, SRH reached 235 for 4.
Abhishek Sharma made 35 off 13 balls. Travis Head contributed 38 off 19, and the opening phase featured a quick 54-run partnership in just 3.3 overs. Ishan Kishan then struck 55 off 32, while Klaasen went on to score 69 off 43, powering SRH into a large score.
PBKS falter early and Connolly fights on
- Punjab Kings started shakily, slipping to 4 for 2 inside 1.1 overs.
- They suffered another blow to be 23 for 3 after 3.2 overs.
- The chase never gained momentum, leaving PBKS chasing a steep target for most of the innings.
- Cooper Connolly tried to keep PBKS alive with a fighting knock of 107 not out off 59 balls.
- Despite Connolly’s century, the rest of the batting group could not provide enough support from the other end, and SRH eventually sealed a 33-run win.
