Priyansh Arya slammed 93 and Cooper Connolly struck 87 as Punjab Kings posted 254 for 7, highest total in IPL 2026. Their skipper Shreyas Iyer revealed that a challenge thrown by him to both the batters got them going.
“Exceptional partnership, some shots were jaw-dropping. Hitting fast bowlers off the back-foot straight. Composure in the middle overs was sensational,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation after Punjab registered a 54-run win.
“Was talking with Cooper and Arya, said let’s compete for the most number of sixes. Prize is my bat, doesn’t make sense but hope it’ll make us happy. When you let players be, I think they just deliver. That’s our mantra.”
Arya and Connolly added 182 runs in just 13.2 overs for an entertaining second-wicket stand.
“I don’t tell them how to go about their specific innings, they have their patterns set. Ricky Ponting motivates just before the game, I chip in, boys come in and deliver.”
Shreyas also credited his bowlers for executing the plan and restricting LSG to 200 for 5.
“Majority of our bowlers are international bowlers with immense experience. We have plans against certain batters, it’s all about execution. They just shouldn’t get complacent.”
LSG skipper Rishabh Pant didn’t entirely throw his bowlers under the bus after they conceded 254, but admitted there are areas of concern in the bowling department.
“It’s difficult to point out one area, bowler’s have done well. There have been areas of concern, some positivity with the batting,” he said.
LSG also tried a new opening combination with Ayush Badoni, who scored 35 off 21 balls.
“The idea was to go out and play freely. It was pre-decided, not a decision taken today. Tried to take the pressure off the top order. We believe in the team, but credit to PBKS for playing good, hard cricket.”
Priyansh, who was the Player of the Match said that he likes to keep conversations minimal in the middle to stay clear-headed. “Today I batted a little beyond the powerplay and contributed as much as I could for my team. That gave me a lot of satisfaction. I don’t practice six-hitting that much. I just practice timing the ball as well as possible, and that helps me in batting.
“If we talk too much, too many thoughts come into my mind. I feel it’s better if we don’t talk too much, then we can play with a clearer mind.”
