The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season continued with a high-octane doubleheader on May 3, 2026, as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) emerged victorious in their respective matches. KKR extended their winning streak to three by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while GT secured a thrilling last-over win against Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Kolkata Knight Riders Halt Sunrisers Hyderabad's Momentum
In Match 45, held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, the Kolkata Knight Riders convincingly defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets. SRH, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted a competitive total of 165 all out in 19 overs. Despite a blistering start from Travis Head, who smashed 61 off just 28 balls, and a solid contribution of 42 from Ishan Kishan, the Sunrisers Hyderabad middle and lower order faltered, succumbing to the disciplined spin attack of KKR. Varun Chakaravarthy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets for 36 runs, ably supported by Sunil Narine and Kartik Tyagi, who each took two wickets. Chasing a target of 166, KKR's chase was anchored by a significant innings from Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who scored 59 off 47 balls, and a steady 43 from captain Ajinkya Rahane. Contributions from Finn Allen (29 off 13 balls) and an unbeaten 22 from Rinku Singh ensured KKR reached the target comfortably in 18.2 overs, securing their victory with 10 balls to spare. This win marked KKR's third consecutive triumph of the season.
Gujarat Titans Clinch Last-Over Thriller Against Punjab Kings
Meanwhile, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat Titans secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over the Punjab Kings in Match 46. Opting to bowl first, GT's bowlers, led by Jason Holder, who took a career-best four wickets for 24 runs, and an impactful opening spell from Mohammed Siraj, restricted PBKS to 163 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Suryansh Shedge was the lone warrior for Punjab, scoring a brilliant 57 off 29 balls, supported by Marcus Stoinis with 40 runs. Chasing 164, Gujarat Titans faced early jitters with the loss of captain Shubman Gill. However, Sai Sudharsan played a stabilizing role, scoring a composed 57 off 41 balls. The chase went down to the wire, with Washington Sundar playing a match-winning unbeaten knock of 40 off 23 balls, including the winning boundary off the penultimate delivery. GT successfully chased the target in 19.5 overs, marking their third consecutive win and a crucial step towards solidifying their playoff aspirations.
Implications for the IPL 2026 Standings
These results have significant implications for the IPL 2026 points table. While Punjab Kings remain at the top despite their loss, the victories for KKR and GT bolster their positions, intensifying the race for playoff spots. The close contests underscore the competitive nature of this season's IPL, with teams battling fiercely as the league stage progresses towards its conclusion.