Punjab Kings (PBKS) finally broke the deadlock. The bounce back in their final match of the IPL 2026 group stage. Despite losing a couple of wickets early in the run chase, PBKS claimed their much-awaited win against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Shreyas Iyer played a captain’s knock at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, leading the team from the front to secure the crucial two points from the must-win match. Because of the win tonight, PBKS’s chances for the play-offs remain in balance. Shreyas Iyer remains unbeaten for 101 off 51, and Punjab won the match by 7 wickets and 12 balls to spare.
Shreyas Iyer finishes the business in style vs LSG
This result will not only improve their points tally but will also refresh their net run rate. As there are multiple teams still active in the race for the play-offs, the net run rate could play a crucial role in deciding the fourth team to qualify for the play-offs of IPL 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the three teams that are already qualified for the next round.
Shreyas Iyer finishes the game in style. By hitting a maximum on the final ball of the 18th over, the middle-order batter not only secures the win but also completes his T20 century. Iyer’s 51-ball knock is decorated with eleven 4s and five 6s, and his strike rate is 198.04.
PBKS was in danger early in the chase
Batting first, the home team, Lucknow Super Giants, put on a well competitive total of 196 in exchange for 6 wickets in 20 overs. PBKS found themselves in trouble early in the run chase as Mohammed Shami dismissed Priyansh Arya on the very first ball of the innings. On the third over, he cliched the stumps of Cooper Connolly as well.
At that moment, when another defeat started to loom over the Punjab Kings camp, Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh stood tall. While Singh lost his wicket for 69 off 39, Iyer continued his dominance over the Lucknow Super Giants and eventually got his maiden hundred and a much-needed win at once. After this match, the Kings are back in the top four. They are currently in 4th place with 15 points and =0.309 net run rate.
Notable reactions by the fans on Shreyas Iyer’s match-defining century