IPL 2026: Iyer's unbeaten 101 helps PBKS keep playoff hopes alive, beat LSG by seven wickets
Lucknow, May 23
Shreyas Iyer struck his maiden IPL century to guide Punjab Kings to a seven‑wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants and break their six-game losing streak to keep their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive here at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
In response to LSG's 196/6, Punjab hunted down the target in 18 overs, with Iyer unbeaten on 101 off 51 balls, studded with 11 fours and five sixes coming at a strike-rate of 198.04. Apart from wowing the crowd with his sublime timing, strong pick-up of deliveries and bottom-handed shots, Iyer also shared a crucial 140-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh, who hit 69 off 39 balls.
The win has lifted PBKS to fourth on the points table, and their fate now hinges on the Rajasthan Royals' clash with the Mumbai Indians. If RR win, Punjab are out; if MI prevail, Kolkata Knight Riders could still overtake PBKS on net run rate with a big win over the now eliminated Delhi Capitals. If all works well in their favour, PBKS will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator clash in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.
The chase began dramatically as Priyansh Arya fell first ball to Mohammed Shami, caught on the pull for a golden duck. Cooper Connolly counter‑attacked with four boundaries in the second over, before being castled by Mohammed Shami and leaving PBKS at 22/2 in 2.2 overs.
Iyer joined Prabhsimran and the pair steadied the innings. Iyer struck successive fours off Mohsin Khan and Shami, while Prabhsimran found his rhythm with inventive strokes and used the bowlers' pace to his advantage. The partnership blossomed after Power-play as Prabhsimran dropped on 20 by Pant off Arjun Tendulkar, and got his fifty in 28 balls.
Iyer, meanwhile, cut and drove with authority to get his fifty in 33 balls. The boundaries flowed freely before Arjun trapped Prabhsimran lbw for 69. But Iyer pressed on, smashing three sixes in one Shami over to all but seal the contest. Fittingly, Iyer launched a slower ball from Mohsin over cow corner to complete his maiden IPL hundred and clinch an important victory for PBKS.
For Iyer, the century was a moment of relief and joy - helmet off, arms aloft, as he was embraced by teammates over ending a six-game losing streak and PBKS playoffs hopes still very much alive. Even as PBKS rejoiced in the glow of a much-needed victory in a must-win clash, LSG's tenth defeat of the season also confirmed that they will finish at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table.
Brief scores:
Lucknow Super Giants 196/6 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 72, Ayush Badoni 43; Yuzvendra Chahal 2-25, Marco Jansen 2-33) lost to Punjab Kings 200/3 in 18 overs (Shreyas Iyer 101 not out, Prabhsimran Singh 69; Mohammed Shami 2-45, Arjun Tendulkar 1-36) by seven wickets
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm thrilled for Shreyas but honestly, PBKS's playoff hopes are still a long shot. They need too many results to go their way. Still, that partnership with Prabhsimran was a joy to watch. Why can't they play like this every match? 😅
Finally, a proper display from PBKS! Iyer showed why he's so valuable in the middle order. That 140-run stand was the turning point. Now we need MI to do us a favour. IPL ka drama hi alag hai! 🏏
Great innings, but let's not forget Prabhsimran's contribution. He was the aggressor early on, and that dropped catch by Pant cost LSG dearly. Pant's captaincy has been questionable this season. LSG need a serious rethink for next year.
Poor LSG fans. Tenth defeat and bottom of the table after all the hype this season. Their bowling just couldn't defend 196. Shami was the only bright spot with two early wickets, but Iyer and Prabhsimran were unstoppable. Heartbreaking for Inglis who played a superb knock.
The way Iyer used his bottom hand and picked up deliveries so late was incredible. Reminded me of classic VVS Laxman. But let's be real - PBKS's playoff chance is just 1%. KKR with their net run rate could still knock them out. Typical IPL chaos! 😂
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