Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer etched his name into IPL chase history by smashing a century while chasing a target, becoming the fourth skipper to do so in run chases. In a high-stakes fixture against Lucknow Super Giants, Iyer powered PBKS to a successful chase with an unbeaten 101 off 51 deliveries, striking at 198.04. His innings included 11 boundaries and five maximums, as the chase turned into a must-win moment for the franchise.
Iyer joined an exclusive list of IPL captains who have registered centuries in successful run chases. The elite group includes Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli and Sanju Samson. Sehwag previously achieved the feat with 119 against Deccan Chargers in 2011, Kohli followed with 108* against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016, while Samson struck 119 against Punjab Kings in 2021. Earlier this season, Iyer’s 101* ensured he placed his own milestone alongside those captaincy classics.
It was also a notable personal milestone for PBKS leadership, with Iyer becoming only the third Punjab Kings skipper to score an IPL hundred. The other two were KL Rahul, who struck 132* versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2020, and Adam Gilchrist, who made 106 against RCB in 2011.
Beyond the IPL, Iyer reached a broader T20 landmark by completing 7,000 runs in the format. In 254 T20 appearances, he has accumulated 7,076 runs across 247 matches, posting an average of 35.02. His strike rate sits above 135, with four centuries and 48 half-centuries to his record.
In the ongoing IPL season, Iyer has been in strong form with 498 runs from 13 innings. He carries a batting average of 55.33 and a strike rate of 168.01, featuring one century and five fifties. His highest score so far remains the unbeaten 101*.
For Punjab Kings in the IPL overall, Iyer has tallied 1,102 runs in 31 matches and 30 innings. His average is 52.47, while his strike rate is above 172. He has recorded one century and 11 fifties for the franchise.
PBKS set the target
Turning to the match itself, Punjab Kings chose to bowl first. Their decision was supported by aggressive contributions in the innings that followed, as Josh Inglis struck 72 off 44 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Ayush Badoni added 43 from 18 deliveries with five boundaries and three sixes, while Abdul Samad contributed 37* off 20 balls featuring three fours and three maximums. The trio helped PBKS post 196/6 in their 20 overs.
Chasing pressure from the bowlers
For PBKS with the ball, Yuzvendra Chahal led the way with figures of 2/25, while Marco Jansen also claimed two wickets, finishing with 2/33. Their spells helped keep the contest under control as the chase began.
Iyer and Prabhsimran seal the chase
In the run chase, Shreyas Iyer once again delivered when it mattered most, staying unbeaten on 101 off 51 balls with 11 fours and five sixes. Prabhsimran Singh played the supporting role with a brisk 69 from 39 deliveries, striking seven fours and two sixes. Together, they guided PBKS to a vital victory, ending a six-match losing streak in the process. Punjab Kings finished the chase with seven wickets in hand and still had two overs remaining.
With the win, Punjab Kings have climbed back to fourth place on the points table. They now sit with 15 points from seven victories and six defeats. However, the playoff picture remains tense: if Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians on the same day, PBKS will be eliminated, with RR moving to 16 points and securing the fourth playoff spot. If Rajasthan loses, Kolkata Knight Riders will need to beat Delhi Capitals by a big margin in the second match of the day to surpass PBKS on net run rate while also finishing level on 15 points, thereby taking the fourth spot.
