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Last updated on - April 2, 2026, 4:22 PM IST
By
Yash Chauhan
Last year's IPL runner-up, Punjab Kings, had a great start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, as they defeated Gujarat Titans by 3 wickets.
The reason behind this impressive victory was Australian star player and one of the finest all-rounders of all time, Cooper Connolly, who played a match-winning innings for them.
Cooper Connolly scored 72 runs off 44 balls, including five fours and five sixes, and helped his side to register their first victory in the new IPL edition.
After his brilliant performance for Punjab Kings. The franchise co-owner Preity Zinta lauded him for an iconic knock as she called it a “dream debut.”
While praising him, Preity Zinta shared a series of pictures on her Instagram as she wrote, "What a night last night turned out to be ! What a game & what a dream debut for 22 year old Cooper Connolly in IPL 2026.”
Preity Zinta also opened up on his match-winning knock against Gujarat Titans: "It was an impressive match-winning knock 44 ball 72 that marked the arrival of this incredible young talent."
Preity Zinta was impressed by his mindset and awareness while batting. As she wrote, "What impressed me most about Cooper was not just the big & stylish shots he played, but his ability to read the game in the present, and keep a cool & calm head under pressure." After that, she shared the pride to honor him as the Player of the Match. It was truly my pleasure to present the Player of the match trophy to him & yes I couldn't stop smiling."
Preity Zinta also welcomed him to the squad: "Welcome to the IPL and welcome to Punjab Kings Cooper. We are beyond thrilled to have you in Sadda Squad as our young Sher... Keep it up & bring it on. Looking forward to many more games & performances like this."
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