IPL 2026 : Cooper Connolly’s bullet throw sends Tristan Stubbs packing during PBKS vs DC encounter

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The scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala witnessed a modern-day IPL 2026 classic on Monday, 2026. In the 55th match of the season, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced off against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in a high-stakes encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final over. While the match was a run-fest, it was a moment of sheer fielding brilliance and a gritty lower-order fightback that defined the narrative.

Cricket is often called a game of inches, and Tristan Stubbs learned that the hard way during the 9th over of Delhi’s chase. With DC reeling at 74/4, the pressure was mounting. On the second ball of the 8.2 over, Ben Dwarshuis delivered a back-of-a-length ball that Axar Patel jammed toward backward point.

In a moment of hesitation that proved fatal, Stubbs charged down the pitch for a single, only to be met with a firm ‘No’ from his captain. Axar hadn’t moved an inch. Cooper Connolly, prowling at backward point, pounced on the ball like a panther. With one fluid motion, he unleashed a bullet throw that shattered the stumps. Despite a desperate full-length dive, Stubbs was caught well short of his crease, departing for a sluggish 12 off 17 balls. The dismissal left DC in a deep hole and the Dharamsala crowd in awe of Connolly’s athleticism.

𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧 hitting the bullseye! 🎯

🎥 A pin-point direct hit catches Tristan Stubbs way short of his crease 🔥

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/wHhflKIvCR#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvDC

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 11, 2026

Also READ: Fans erupt as Axar Patel and David Miller sizzle in DC’s thrilling win over PBKS in IPL 2026

Earlier in the evening, Punjab Kings had posted a formidable 210/5 on the back of a blazing start. Priyansh Arya set the tone with a rapid 56 off 33 balls, while skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the middle order with an unbeaten 59 off 36. A late cameo by Suryansh Shedge (21 off 8) propelled the score past the 200-mark, leaving Delhi with a mountain to climb.

The chase started disastrously for the Capitals. Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur dismantled the top order, leaving DC gasping at 33/3 in the fifth over. However, the tide turned when Axar joined forces with David Miller. Axar made amends for the run-out with a blistering 56 off 30 balls, while Miller hammered 51 off 28.

Just as the game seemed to be slipping away again following their dismissals, young sensation Madhav Tiwari stepped up. Having already taken 2/40 with the ball, Tiwari played the innings of his life. Needing over 12 runs an over, he smoked an unbeaten 18 off just 8 balls, supported by Ashutosh Sharma’s fiery 24 off 10.

In a staggering display of power hitting, Delhi Capitals reached 216/7 in just 19 overs, completing the chase with an over to spare. This 3-wicket victory not only kept DC’s playoff hopes alive but also marked one of the highest successful chases in the history of the Dharamsala venue. Tiwari was rightfully judged the Player of the Match for his all-round heroics in a game that had everything from spectacular fielding to heart-stopping finishes.

Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi takes a splendid catch to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh in PBKS vs DC IPL 2026 clash