New Delhi, April 1 -- The 22-year-old Australian all-rounder from Western Australia announced his arrival in the Indian Premier League with a bang, smashing an unbeaten 72 off just 44 balls on his IPL debut for Punjab Kings.

Batting at No. 3, Connolly took the Gujarat Titans bowlers apart with fearless hitting, smashing five fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 163.64. His match-winning knock helped Punjab Kings register a convincing 3-wicket victory in their opening match of the IPL 2026 season, setting an early tone for the campaign.

Cooper Connolly is a highly rated young Australian all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls left-arm orthodox spin. The Perth-born cricketer, aged 22, has impressed with his aggressive batting style...