IPL 2026 [WATCH]: Xavier Bartlett plucks a screamer to remove steady Jos Buttler in PBKS vs GT game

The IPL 2026 season continues to deliver high-octane drama as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced off against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 4th match of the tournament. Held at the picturesque New Chandigarh stadium on Tuesday, the evening was defined by a tactical chess match between bat and ball. After PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field, the Gujarat Titans were restricted to a competitive but modest total of 162/6 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance and one moment of absolute magic in the field.

Xavier Bartlett’s sensational catch cuts short Jos Buttler’s solid innings

The definitive turning point of the first innings arrived in the 16th over, just as the Titans were looking to shift into sixth gear. Jos Buttler, who had been uncharacteristically steady, scoring 38 off 33 balls, decided it was time to take on the veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

On the fourth delivery of the 15.4 over, Chahal tossed up a tempting delivery outside off. Buttler danced down the track, meeting the ball with a thunderous lofted drive toward the long-on boundary. The crowd held its breath as the ball soared through the night sky, appearing destined for the stands. However, Xavier Bartlett had other plans.

Positioned perfectly on the edge of the rope, Bartlett timed his leap with the precision of an Olympic high jumper. Stretching his tall frame to the absolute limit, he plucked the ball out of thin air over his head while mid-air. Realizing his momentum might carry him over the boundary, he showed incredible presence of mind to maintain his balance, securing the catch just inches inside the cushions. A stunned Buttler could only stare in disbelief before trekking back to the dugout, leaving GT reeling at 129/4.

Here’s the video:

𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁!

A superbly-timed jump from the @PunjabKingsIPL player to grab a stunner!

Wicket No. 2⃣ for @yuzi_chahal

Updates https://t.co/75rCxTCOL1#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #PBKSvGT pic.twitter.com/gGxRtVmq5F

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 31, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s why PBKS’ Cooper Connolly won’t bowl against Gujarat Titans in today’s match

GT put up a competitive total against PBKS’ disciplined bowling

Despite the fireworks from individual brilliance, the story of the innings was the relentless pressure applied by the Punjab Kings’ bowling unit. While Shubman Gill provided a solid foundation with a fluent 39 off 27 deliveries, the Titans struggled to maintain a high run rate through the middle overs. The Kings’ Powerplay strategy worked effectively, yielding 54 runs but keeping the dangerous Sai Sudharsan (13) in check before Marco Jansen induced an edge.

The spin of Chahal and the pace of Vijaykumar Vyshak proved to be the undoing of the Titans’ middle order. Chahal finished his masterclass with figures of 2/28, claiming the massive wickets of Gill and Buttler. Meanwhile, Vyshak provided excellent support in the death overs, finishing with 3/34 after removing Glenn Phillips (25) and Washington Sundar (18) just as they looked to accelerate.

The Titans eventually scrapped their way to a total of 162/6. Late cameo from Rahul Tewatia added precious runs in the final over, but the momentum remained with PBKS. With a target of 163 on a New Chandigarh surface that offers a bit of grip for the spinners, the Kings will feel confident, though the Titans’ world-class bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, ensures this contest is far from over.

Also READ: In pics: Meet Tanvi Shah, the glamorous girl in Gujarat Titans for IPL 2026