Mullanpur, April 1 -- Australian cricketer Cooper Connolly made a sensational Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur, scoring an unbeaten 72 and earning a spot among the league's top debut performers.

Connolly's knock ranks as the fifth-highest individual score on an IPL debut. Leading the list is Brendon McCullum, who smashed 158* for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru) in 2008, followed by Michael Hussey's 116* for Chennai Super Kings versus Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) and Shaun Marsh's 84* for KXIP against Deccan Chargers, both also in 2008.

Among more recent debutants, Kyle Mayers notched up 73 for Lucknow Super Giants against Delhi Capitals ...