The Punjab Kings' early-season dominance is starting to wobble. The Indian Premier League table-toppers suffered their second consecutive defeat, falling short against the Gujarat Titans by four wickets in a nail-biting finish that went down to the final ball.

After being asked to bat first, the Kings' innings got off to a disastrous start, collapsing to a shaky 47-5. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Suryansh Shedge played a gritty knock of 57, while Marcus Stoinis chipped in with a vital 40. The pair stitched together a crucial 79-run partnership for the sixth wicket, giving their side a fighting total of 163-9.

Jason Holder was the star with the ball for the Titans, ripping through the Kings' lineup with impressive figures of 4-24. He found excellent support from fellow seamers Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, who each bagged two wickets to keep the Kings in check.

Chasing 164 for victory, the Titans got off to a solid start thanks to opener Sai Sudharsan, who played a composed innings of 57 at the top of the order. When he departed in the 15th over with 40 runs still needed, the pressure was on. But Washington Sundar held his nerve, smashing an unbeaten 40 to guide his team home. The winning moment came in dramatic fashion—a towering six off the penultimate delivery, sealing the win with just one ball to spare.

The result tightens the IPL standings considerably. The Titans climb to fifth place, joining three other teams on 12 points, while the Kings cling to the top spot with 13 points—but their lead is shrinking fast.