IPL 2026: SRH vs PBKS Updates: Connolly fights on with 50 as PBKS struggle

Eshan Malinga returns to the attack as PBKS continue to struggle in the chase.

Cooper Connolly knocks one straight back to the bowler before picking up a couple of runs next ball. That takes him to a fighting fifty off 34 balls--one of the few positives for Punjab.

There's concern in the SRH camp as Nitish Kumar Reddy goes down after appearing to pull a muscle while saving a boundary earlier. The physio rushes out to attend to him.

Malinga keeps it tight otherwise, beating Connolly with a sharp yorker before conceding just a single.

Only 5 runs come off the over. After 14 overs, PBKS are 126/6.

Sakib Hussain continues, and nearly creates another chance--Connolly is beaten by the change of pace and just escapes, with Ishan Kishan unable to hold onto a difficult opportunity.

Marco Jansen then swings hard but skies it towards long-off. Heinrich Klaasen moves in, but the chance goes down--Sakib left frustrated as the ball isn't taken.

Connolly manages a couple more runs, but he's clearly in discomfort after a mistimed shot, clutching himself in pain.

PBKS continue to hang on, but the chase looks increasingly out of reach.

Sakib Hussain continues from the other end, and Cooper Connolly keeps the fight alive with a well-struck boundary. He then pushes one forward for a single to rotate strike.

But PBKS suffer another setback.

Shashank Singh goes for a big hit, sending it high towards deep square leg. Nitish Kumar Reddy is stationed perfectly and makes no mistake under the ball.

Shashank departs for 4 off 3 balls--another blow to PBKS.

Marco Jansen walks in as the new batter, with the chase slipping further away.

Pat Cummins returns to the attack and immediately tightens the screws on PBKS.

Cooper Connolly is forced to defend as Cummins varies his pace smartly. He eventually works one to midwicket for a single, but PBKS lose momentum as dots build.

Suryansh Shedge struggles to find gaps and is eventually dismissed--caught brilliantly by Abhishek Sharma, who holds on to a sharp chance. Shedge departs for 25 off 17 balls.

A key breakthrough for SRH at a crucial stage.

Shashank Singh walks in and makes an instant impact, getting off the mark with a boundary. However, Cummins finishes the over strongly, mixing in a dot and a near-miss.

Just 5 runs and a wicket from the over. After 12 overs, PBKS are 114/5.

Harsh Dubey is brought into the attack as PBKS look to inject life into their chase.

Suryansh Shedge starts with a single towards midwicket, while Cooper Connolly is tested immediately--beaten once, then again as wides creep in and release some pressure.

Connolly then explodes, launching a huge six, and follows it up with another maximum. PBKS suddenly find momentum, though a dot ball at the end slightly halts the surge.

A big over overall--17 runs come off it. After 10 overs, PBKS are 91/4.

Shivam Kumar continues, but PBKS counter strongly. Shedge greets him with a six and a boundary, showing intent immediately. Pat Cummins is visibly unhappy with the bowling execution.

Shedge keeps rotating strike with a single, while Connolly adds one more at the other end. Shedge finishes the over in style with another six.

A massive 18-run over. After 11 overs, PBKS are 109/4, needing 127 from 54 balls and very much back in the fight.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is back into the attack as PBKS try to steady the innings after early blows.

Suryansh Shedge starts cautiously, steering one towards point for no run before rotating strike with a quick single. The batters mostly deal in singles as SRH keep things tight.

Just 5 runs come off the over. After 8 overs, PBKS are 69/4, needing 167 from 72 balls.

Shivam Kumar continues and maintains the pressure with another disciplined over. PBKS struggle to find boundaries, managing only singles and a few safe pushes.

Another quiet over--just 5 runs from it. After 9 overs, PBKS are 74/4, needing 162 from 66 balls.

Shivang Kumar is introduced into the attack, and he makes an immediate impact.

Marcus Stoinis starts with a couple of well-placed runs, then shifts gears with a crisp boundary as PBKS look to rebuild.

But Shivang hits back quickly. Stoinis goes for the cut, plays too close to his body, and ends up nicking it behind.

A sharp breakthrough--Stoinis departs for 28 off 14 balls, and PBKS lose a key batter at a crucial stage.

Sakib Hussain is introduced into the attack as PBKS look to rebuild after early blows.

Cooper Connolly starts cautiously, cutting one to deep backward point for a single. Marcus Stoinis begins watchfully, defending a couple before shifting gears.

Stoinis then breaks free--timing a clean boundary through the gap, followed by another authoritative four as he finds

rhythm. A wide down the leg side adds to SRH's frustration.

There's more drama next ball as the umpire signals a no-ball for height, and Stoinis makes full use of the free hit--showing quick wrists to send it sailing into the stands for six.

It's a strong counterattack from PBKS. 19 runs come off the over. After 5 overs, PBKS are 48/3, showing some fight back despite the early collapse.

Eshan Malinga continues his spell as PBKS slowly build momentum in the chase.

Cooper Connolly starts positively, striking a boundary that brings up 50 for Punjab Kings. He follows it up with

another crisp four, keeping the pressure on the bowler.

A wide is called next ball, adding to SRH's frustration. Malinga then fires in a full yorker-length delivery that beats Connolly completely.

Ishan Kishan goes up in appeal, convinced there's an edge, but there's no support from the fielders and no review is taken. The batters survive.

Two dot balls close out the over as Malinga regains control late.

9 runs come off it. After 6 overs, PBKS are 57/3, showing signs of recovery after the early collapse.

Pat Cummins continues his spell, and Cooper Connolly starts positively--punching a boundary to get Punjab Kings moving. He follows it up with a couple of runs through third man and keeps the strike rotating with a single.

There's a moment of chaos as Cummins oversteps--no ball called--and Connolly makes full use of the free hit, launching a massive six, Punjab's first of the night. SRH respond well after that, with Cummins tightening up and beating the bat as Connolly survives the rest of the over.

A strong passage for PBKS despite early pressure--13 runs come off it. After 3 overs, PBKS are 23/2, needing 213 from 102 balls.

Marco Jansen is introduced into the attack, and immediately PBKS are rocked again.

Shreyas Iyer tries to settle in, but can't get going--he pushes one towards mid-on for no run before mistiming his next shot.

Pat Cummins takes a safe catch, and Iyer walks back for 5 off 5 balls.

A huge blow for Punjab Kings--losing their skipper early. They are now 23/3, under serious pressure in the chase.

Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh walk out to begin the chase, with Arya taking strike.

Pat Cummins starts the proceedings with a probing opening over. Arya opens the bat face and steers one to deep backward point for a single. Prabhsimran follows with a controlled flick for another run, and a steady start begins to take shape.

But Cummins and the field setup strike back immediately.

Arya swings at a well-directed delivery but fails to connect cleanly, mistiming it badly. Eshan Malinga, stationed smartly at deep square leg, judges it perfectly and takes a sharp catch.

Priyansh Arya departs for 1 off 3 balls--caught in the trap.

A disciplined opening over from SRH: just 4 runs and a crucial wicket.

Sunrisers Hyderabad have once again delivered a dominant batting performance under lights in Hyderabad, posting a formidable 235 after batting first.

It's another high-scoring night at home, where SRH's aggressive approach has consistently paid off this season.

But the contest isn't over. Punjab Kings will take confidence from their own history--having already chased down 265 earlier this season, the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket.

SRH have the total. PBKS have the chase record.

Vijaykumar Vyshak has the final over in hand as SRH look to push past 230.

Nitish Kumar Reddy starts with a single, though he's visibly frustrated with himself for not getting more. Heinrich Klaasen then takes charge--first defending a sharp yorker back to the bowler, before unleashing a massive six. He follows it up with a couple of smartly taken runs and then a crisp boundary to keep the momentum going.

But drama strikes on the final delivery. With one of the stadium light towers going off, Klaasen attempts another big shot but miscues it.

Marco Jansen settles under it at long-off and takes a safe catch.

Klaasen departs after a brilliant 69 off 43 balls.

SRH finish strongly at 235/4 after 20 overs.

Lockie Ferguson is brought back into the attack as SRH look to accelerate further.

Nitish Kumar Reddy starts calmly, nudging one to long-on for a single.

Heinrich Klaasen then takes charge of the over. He picks up two runs with smart placement and, with that effort, brings up a well-made fifty off just 32 balls.

He tries to go after a full delivery next but can't find the gap, then rotates strike again with ease. A wide and a yorker follow, with Klaasen squeezing out another single.

Nitish finishes the over in style--launching a massive six to cap off another strong SRH passage.

13 runs come off it. After 18 overs, SRH are 212/3.

Arshdeep Singh returns and starts with a pinpoint yorker, immediately tightening things up.

Klaasen takes a single before Nitish responds with a crisp boundary. Another well-placed shot follows towards deep point for a single.

It's a much more disciplined over from Arshdeep overall.

10 runs come off it. After 19 overs, SRH are 222/3 and well set for a strong finish.

Yuzvendra Chahal returns to the attack, and Heinrich Klaasen immediately looks to take him on with a switch hit, but finds the fielder at cover-point--no run. SRH keep the scoreboard moving with steady singles.

Nitish Kumar Reddy then injects momentum, cracking a well-timed boundary before rotating strike with a single. It's a controlled over overall, yielding 8 runs. After 16 overs, SRH are 182/3.

Punjab Kings then make a tactical move, bringing in impact substitute Priyansh Arya for Chahal.

Marco Jansen comes back into the attack, and Nitish wastes no time--he launches a massive six. Klaasen joins in shortly after with one of his own, turning the over into a statement.

SRH continue to rotate strike efficiently, adding singles around the boundaries, and finish the over strongly.

16 runs come off it. After 17 overs, SRH are 199/3 and accelerating towards a big finish.

Arshdeep Singh is brought back into the attack and immediately goes full throttle with a pinpoint yorker.

Ishan Kishan manages to clip it towards square leg for a quick couple, and both batters rotate strike with singles to keep the scoreboard moving.

But Arshdeep strikes.

Kishan looks to up the tempo again, but this time he miscues it and finds the fielder. Suryansh Shedge settles under it at deep square leg and makes no mistake.

Punjab Kings finally hold on to a catch, and Kishan walks back after a well-made 55 off 32 balls.

Marco Jansen is back into the attack, and the pitch has started to slow slightly.

Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen keep the scoreboard ticking with smart, risk-free singles. Just when it looks controlled, Klaasen shifts gears--launching a powerful six to finish the over on a high.

13 runs come off it. After 13 overs, SRH are 147/2.

Vijaykumar Vyshak continues, and Kishan starts calmly with a single.

Klaasen misses a flick and the ball runs off the pad towards short fine, but the pressure doesn't last long.

Kishan explodes--back-to-back sixes, completely changing the momentum. With the third big hit, he brings up a superb fifty off just 28 balls.

He then rotates strike again to finish the over.

A massive 21-run over. After 14 overs, SRH are 168/2 and flying.

PBKS will know those dropped chances earlier are now coming back to haunt them.

Vijaykumar Vyshak is introduced into the attack as SRH continue to cruise.

Heinrich Klaasen starts confidently, picking up a couple of runs before unfurling a crisp boundary to keep the momentum going. Ishan Kishan chips in with a single towards long-off, while Klaasen adds a couple more with ease. The over ends with a quiet single, but SRH still collect 11 runs. After 10 overs, they are 118/2 and firmly in control.

Yuzvendra Chahal continues, but Punjab Kings' struggles in the field only deepen.

Klaasen nudges one towards long-on for a single--but chaos follows.

Kishan gets another life as a catch goes down again, this time by Lockie Ferguson, who misjudges it despite getting both hands to the ball. Chahal looks stunned as his fielders let him down once more.

The frustration doesn't end there--there's also a missed stumping by Prabhsimran Singh, compounding PBKS' woes.

Despite the drama, Klaasen and Kishan keep things ticking with singles and smart strike rotation.

Just 6 runs come off the over. After 11 overs, SRH are 124/2, with PBKS visibly rattled.

Lockie Ferguson continues, and Ishan Kishan looks to take him on--skying one in the deep. A golden chance goes begging as Cooper Connolly gets there but spills a sitter.

It should've been a breakthrough--SRH could've been under real pressure--but Connolly somehow fumbles it, and worse, nearly turns it into a boundary before just about saving it.

Kishan survives and adds just a single. Heinrich Klaasen keeps things steady at the other end, defending solidly and rotating strike with ease.

Kishan is struck on the pads next ball but no damage done. Then he finishes the over in style--smashing a huge six to close it out.

8 runs come off the over. After 8 overs, SRH are 94/2.

Yuzvendra Chahal continues and is immediately taken on by Klaasen, who greets him with a clean six as SRH bring up their 100 in style.

Klaasen and Kishan trade singles before Klaasen steps up again--cracking a boundary with authority.

A final single ends another productive over.

13 runs come off it. After 9 overs, SRH are 107/2. A timeout follows as coach Ricky Ponting storms in, clearly unhappy with how things slipped away.

Yuzvendra Chahal is introduced into the attack, and he immediately slows things down for SRH.

Travis Head opens up with a controlled jab towards deep cover for a couple of runs, then works the next one towards long-off for a single. Ishan Kishan keeps the strike rotating with a neat push towards deep square for another single.

But Chahal strikes back.

Head looks to go big again but mistimes it--and this time he doesn't get away. Marco Jansen takes a sharp catch straight down the ground.

Travis Head departs after a fluent 38 off 19 balls. Chahal has broken the partnership at a crucial moment.

Marco Jansen returns from the other end after a change of ends, continuing to test the batters.

Travis Head starts cautiously, flicking one towards midwicket but finding no run. Jansen then angles one down the leg side--Head misses it and a wide is signaled.

He quickly responds though, keeping his composure and guiding the next delivery beautifully to the boundary. Another crisp shot follows soon after--this time a well-timed four.

Head then nudges one towards mid-on for a single, rotating strike smartly. Ishan Kishan gets off the mark as well with a single.

The over ends with Head finding the fielder off a straight drive.

11 runs come off the over. After 5 overs, SRH are 65/1, still in control despite the wicket.

Lockie Ferguson continues his spell as SRH keep the scoreboard moving at pace.

Ishan Kishan starts the over with a soft jab towards point and picks up a quick single.

Then Travis Head goes big--he clears the ropes with a massive six, full authority on display.

Head follows it up with a controlled flick towards deep point for a comfortable single.

Kishan shifts gears next ball, timing one sweetly to the boundary as SRH keep the pressure on. Another single keeps the rotation going.

The over ends with a final run taken, rounding off another productive passage of play.

14 runs come off the over. After 6 overs, SRH are 79/1, flying at a strong tempo.

Arshdeep Singh continues his spell, but the pressure keeps building from the SRH openers.

Travis Head is first beaten by a sharp, well-directed bouncer on middle and leg. He ducks comfortably under it--but he's not rattled for long.

Next ball, he responds in trademark fashion: a clean six, straight back into the attack. And he isn't finished yet--another big hit follows as Head takes on Arshdeep again with intent.

He then eases one towards mid-off, but finds the fielder--no run there. Punjab are starting to feel the heat as Head keeps the scoreboard moving.

The over ends with a boundary, capping off a strong finish from SRH.

16 runs come off the over. After 3 overs, SRH are 48 without loss, cruising early.

Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head walk out to open for SRH, with Abhishek taking strike.

Arshdeep Singh begins the attack with a probing yorker-length delivery just outside off. Abhishek meets it solidly on the front foot--calm and watchful to start.

But he wastes no time settling in.

Second ball, he frees his arms and launches it for six--perfect timing, pure confidence. SRH are off to a flying start.

He then chips the next into the ring for no run before nudging a quick single to mid-off. A wide down the leg side follows, adding to the momentum.

Head finally gets going too, working one neatly to backward point for a single. Another sharp run follows to close the over.

A good opening over for SRH--11 runs on the board and early intent clearly set.

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Punjab Kings don't just have a dip in form--they have a problem. After six straight wins, two defeats have exposed cracks they can't ignore as they face a confident Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad.

Punjab still sit on 13 points from nine games, but the table has tightened fast. Their early dominance was built on explosive batting, masking an inconsistent bowling attack. Now, both units are under scrutiny.

The top order--Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Cooper Connolly--has lost control. What once looked fearless now appears reckless, with early wickets derailing innings. The middle order hasn't helped either, struggling to build partnerships and leaning too heavily on individual efforts.

Bowling remains Punjab's biggest concern. Even in wins, they've leaked runs at key moments, lacking discipline when it matters most. Against a strong Hyderabad lineup on a batting-friendly pitch, that could prove costly.

Hyderabad, meanwhile, look far more settled. Despite a recent loss, they remain one of the most balanced sides in the tournament. Travis Head has rediscovered form, Abhishek Sharma continues to contribute, and Heinrich Klaasen has been consistently dangerous.

With the ball, the return of captain Pat Cummins has strengthened an already disciplined attack. Bowlers like Eshan Malinga, Praful Hinge, and Sakib Hussain have excelled in the death overs, making Hyderabad one of the best sides at closing innings.

This isn't just another league game. For Punjab, it's about stopping a slide. For Hyderabad, it's a chance to tighten their grip near the top.