Gujarat Titans edged past Punjab Kings in a high-pressure IPL 2026 meeting at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, winning by four wickets with a solitary ball remaining in the chase of 164. The final over swung on fine margins as Gujarat required 11 runs, and Washington Sundar delivered the decisive blow.
Sundar struck with calm authority, finishing the job by lofting Marcus Stoinis for a six over deep backward square leg. He ended unbeaten on 40 off 23 deliveries, steering the Titans through a tense finish and into scenes of celebration in their dugout.
At a glance
- Match: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings (IPL 2026)
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
- Result: GT won by 4 wickets, chasing 164 with 1 ball to spare
- Final-over equation: 11 runs needed off the last over
- Finisher: Washington Sundar (40* off 23)
- Decisive hit: Sundar six off Marcus Stoinis over deep backward square leg
- Punjab score: 163/9 after recovering from early setbacks
The moment also drew attention beyond the middle, with cameras capturing head coach Ashish Nehra’s wife, Rushma, joining the jubilant celebrations as the Titans sealed victory.
Earlier in the innings, Punjab Kings had started with a jolt, losing two wickets within the opening three balls. But they regrouped strongly to reach 163/9, setting Gujarat a target that looked demanding but never out of reach in the end.
Despite the defeat, Punjab Kings remain firmly placed in the points race. Even after suffering consecutive losses to Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans, they continue to hold a one-point advantage over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans.
Punjab have now played nine matches, winning six, and sit on 13 points with a net run rate of +0.855—numbers that keep them in contention as the tournament tightens.
What Gill said after the win
GT skipper Shubman Gill admitted that, while they ultimately got the job done, the team would have preferred to avoid letting the chase stretch as deep as it did. He said the wicket was not the sort of surface where totals are typically hunted from the early overs, and that the plan had been to accelerate later rather than chase from 15–16 overs.
Gill added that batters who look set should try to stay in, because hitting becomes harder from ball one in such conditions. He also pointed to the importance of having Washington Sundar finish after the situation unfolded, explaining that the team backed the best batter available for the moment, including their approach to using left-handers in succession.
Next, Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals on May 9, moving from a dramatic win into another crucial matchup in the IPL 2026 calendar.
