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PBKS Dominate IPL 2026 with Record Score, Connolly & Stoinis Laud Team Spirit

Punjab Kings extended their unbeaten streak in IPL 2026 with a commanding 54-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants. The win was powered by a massive second-wicket partnership of 182 runs between Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly, propelling the team to a season-high total of 254/7. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis expressed satisfaction at finally getting some batting time after limited opportunities this season. Both Connolly and Stoinis highlighted the excellent team environment and their hope to continue the winning momentum.

Key Points: PBKS Unbeaten in IPL 2026, Connolly & Stoinis on Team Success

  • PBKS maintain unbeaten run
  • Priyansh Arya & Cooper Connolly's 182-run stand
  • Season's highest total of 254/7
  • Marcus Stoinis enjoys rare batting time
2 min read

IPL 2026: The group's been great, really looking forward to rest of tournament, says Connolly

Punjab Kings post season-high 254/7, stay top of IPL 2026 table. Cooper Connolly and Marcus Stoinis discuss team camaraderie and winning momentum.

"The group's been great and really looking forward to the rest of the tournament. - Cooper Connolly"

New Chandigarh, April 20

Punjab Kings' Australian recruit Cooper Connolly said the camaraderie within the squad has made his IPL experience enjoyable, adding that he is eager to see how the rest of the tournament unfolds for the side.

PBKS continued their unbeaten run and maintained their pole position in IPL 2026 points table with a 54-run win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Priyansh Arya struck 93 while Connolly hit 87 to power PBKS to this season's highest total of 254/7. The duo shared a match-defining partnership of 182 runs for the second wicket and hit 16 sixes between themselves.

"It feels good. It's always nice to sort of run out with a fellow two Aussies, but no, it's been enjoyable. The group's been great and really looking forward to, I guess, the rest of the tournament. But it's been nice," said Connolly in a video posted on IPL's website on Monday.

His Australian compatriot, batting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, admitted he was pleased to finally spend some time in the middle after limited batting opportunities this season. During his 16-ball 29, Stoinis also smashed two flat sixes, which left everyone in awe of it.

"They shouldn't be going flat. They should be going a bit higher, but it's been a while since I've had a hit in the middle now. So we've been going so well, I haven't been required to bat. So it's nice to just hit a couple and when you swing that hard, they go flat or they go up," he said.

On the 'Bas Jeetna Hai' tagline used by PBKS for this season so far after being runners-up in IPL 2025, Stoinis said, "I'm pretty sure it means, so far, we're winning all our games. So may it continue for us."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's great to see the team spirit. Connolly seems to be settling in well. The camaraderie he mentions is so important for a long tournament like the IPL. Good luck to PBKS!
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Ananya R
Priyansh Arya deserves more credit! 93 runs in an IPL match is no joke. Our Indian youngsters are shining alongside the overseas stars. The future looks bright for Indian cricket.
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Vikram M
Enjoying the winning streak, but let's not get carried away. The real test will be in the playoffs. The middle order hasn't been tested much yet. Hope the management is working on that.
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Michael C
Stoinis's comment about the flat sixes was hilarious! "They shouldn't be going flat" 😂. Great to see the Aussie players contributing and having fun. The IPL truly is a global festival.
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Kavya N
After being runners-up last year, the team's mentality seems different. 'Bas Jeetna Hai' is a powerful tagline. The hunger is visible on the field. Let's bring the cup home this time, boys! 💪

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