IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer’s maiden IPL century helps PBKS beat LSG by 7 wickets, keeps playoffs hope alive
After enduring six consecutive defeats, Punjab regained their style and powered the chase with authority as Shreyas remained unbeaten on 101 off 51 balls. He shared a crucial 140-run partnership with Prabhsimran Singh, who made 69 off 39 deliveries for the third wicket, helping PBKS chase down LSG’s 196/6 in just 18 overs.
Punjab took the fourth spot in the table with 15 points from 14 league matches with a score of 200/3. But their qualification fate now depends on other results. If Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians on Sunday, Punjab will qualify for the play-offs. Otherwise, PBKS may be dragged into a clear run-rate battle with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Punjab’s chase got off to a bad start with opener Priyansh Arya being dismissed for a first-ball duck by Mohammed Shami, who also removed Cooper Connolly early on. Shreyas, however, anchored the innings with a balanced yet aggressive batting; He mastered both speed and turns with sharp drives, pulls and unique movements.
While targeting spinner Digvesh Rathee in particular, Prabhsimran provided excellent support on 20 and 62 despite the chances of surviving. While Prabhsimran reached his sixth half-century of the season in 26 balls, Shreyas made his fifty in 33 deliveries before stepping up dramatically. His second fifty came in just 18 balls.
Although Prabhsimran was trapped lbw by Arjun Tendulkar, Punjab remained firmly in control. Shreyas sealed both a hundred and Punjab’s victory with a six off Mohsin Khan and also bowled Shami with three sixes in one over.
Earlier, Josh Inglis had guided the home team to 196/6 with 72 off 42 balls for LSG. After early setbacks, Inglis and Ayush Badoni revived the innings with a 49-run stand. Badoni smashed 43 off 18 balls, including a brutal 24-run assault on Azmatullah Omarzai. LSG gained further stability with a 65-run partnership between Inglis and skipper Rishabh Pant, who made 26 balls. Inglis reached his fifty in 28 balls before falling to part-time Shashank Singh.
Abdul Samad’s late overs took LSG close to the 200-run mark, but Punjab’s bowlers ensured the total remained within reach before Shreyas and co completed a memorable chase.
