New Delhi: Cooper Connolly enjoyed a dream debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Mullanpur Stadium in Chandigarh on Tuesday, March 31. The young Australian all-rounder slammed a match-winning knock of unbeaten 72 runs on his debut to help Punjab Kings beat Shubman Gill-led GT by three wickets and get off to a winning start in the season.

Connolly came out to bat at no.3 on his IPL debut and showed no signs of nerves as he took the GT bowlers to the cleaners en route to his half-century. The 22-year-old batted exceptionally well against GT spinner Rashid Khan, who is widely regarded as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. Rashid getting pumelled in a T20 game is a rare sight, but Connolly made it look easy on his debut.

He played some excellent shots against the Afghanistan spinner, including a stunning 103m six that left the fans in awe. On the 2nd ball of the 8th over of PBKS’ innings, Connolly got hold of a shortish delivery from Rashid and smashed it over wide long on for a six. It was a 103m six from the left-hander as the ball landed in the third tier of the stadium.

The brilliant hit left Rashid stunned, and the viewers in awe of the 22-year-old’s hitting prowess.

Watch Cooper Connolly smashes 103m six against Rashid Khan:

𝟏𝟎𝟑 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐞𝐦 🤯

Cooper Connolly rocks back, frees the arms and sends it soaring into the second tier 🚀#TATAIPL 2026 | #PBKSvGT | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/8O2J6XJtcm pic.twitter.com/jXyDDu3Ohs

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia)

Cooper Connolly takes PBKS over the line against Gujarat Titans

On his debut, Connolly stepped up under pressure in a tricky 163-run chase to take Punjab Kings home. In pursuit of the 163-run target, PBKS were left reeling at 118/6 one stage, however, Connolly held his nerves to combine with Marco Jansen (9) and Xavier Bartlett (11*) to take the team over the line.

Connolly smashed an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls and top-scored for his side to win the Player of the Match award. His 44-ball 72 was laced with five sixes and as many fours. He smashed two sixes against Rashid and looked at ease against the spinner. Had it not been for him, GT would have run away with the game after Prashid Krishna brought them into the contest with a three-wicket haul during PBKS’ run chase.