Shreyas Iyer’s Match-Winning Century Propels Punjab Kings Past Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026

Lucknow: In a high-octane showdown at the Ekana Stadium on May 23, 2026, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer delivered a career-defining performance, smashing his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century to guide his team to a dominant seven-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The 31-year-old top-order batter’s unbeaten 113 off 56 deliveries, studded with 12 fours and 6 sixes, ensured Punjab Kings chased down LSG’s competitive total of 192 with ease, finishing the game in just 17.4 overs.

Speaking to the media after the match, PBKS assistant coach Brad Haddin lavished praise on Iyer’s leadership and temperament under pressure. “He’s a tremendous leader of many. He reads the game well,” Haddin said. “There are two main things that I think I enjoy most about him. One is his care for his players, and the other is his appetite for the big moment. He’s seen that tonight. He wanted to be the one to make the difference, and that’s what you want from your leaders, whether it’s for the IPL or for your country.” The 48-year-old Australian mentor also credited the team’s improved execution in crunch situations, acknowledging that earlier losses had often hinged on last-over finishes. “A lot of the games we lost went to the last over and a couple to the last ball where we were close, but we probably weren’t identifying those big moments,” he reflected.