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Punjab Kings (PBKS) finally broke the deadlock. Back in their final match of the IPL 2026 group stage. Despite losing a few wickets at the start of the run chase, PBKS got their much-awaited win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Shreyas Iyer played a captaincy innings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium and helped the team go ahead and get the crucial two points to win the match. Thanks to tonight’s win, PBKS’s play-off chances remain in balance. Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 101 off 51 and Punjab won the match by 7 wickets and 12 balls remaining.
Shreyas Iyer finishes business in style against LSG
This result will not only improve their points table but will also refresh their net run rate. Since many teams are still active in the race for the playoffs, the net run rate could play an important role in deciding the fourth team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the three teams that have already qualified for the next round.
Shreyas Iyer finished the game in brilliant style. By hitting a maximum four of 18 runs on the last ballth Over, the middle-order batsman not only sealed the win but also completed his T20 century. Iyer’s 51-ball innings was studded with eleven fours and five sixes and his strike rate was 198.04.
PBKS was in danger at the beginning of the chase
Batting first, the home team, Lucknow Super Giants, posted a competitive score of 196 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs. PBKS faced trouble early on as Mohammed Shami dismissed Priyansh Arya on the very first ball of the innings. He also broke the stumps of Cooper Connolly in the third over.
At a time when another defeat loomed over the Punjab Kings camp, Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh stood up. While Singh lost his wicket at 69 off 39, Iyer continued to dominate Lucknow Super Giants and eventually scored his maiden century and a much-needed win. After this match, Kings are back in the top four. They are currently in 4thth Ranked with 15 runs and =0.309 net run rate.
Remarkable reactions of fans on Shreyas Iyer’s match defining century
๐๐๐ง๐๐ฏ๐๐จ๐
A great show in pursuit and a ๐บ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป #TATAIPL ๐ต๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ for Shreyas Iyer
Update https://t.co/2ADKr4dqhi#khelbindaas | #LSGvPBKS pic.twitter.com/Q5sabMbsOo
โ IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) 23 May 2026
Shreyas Iyer’s first IPL century
– Chasing 196 runs in the must-win match, Shreyas scored an iconic century at the Ekana Stadium, forever the true leader of Punjab Kings, a champion in IPL history. pic.twitter.com/I5qUhoiJTX
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 23 May 2026
Captain Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy innings in Ekana #PBKSvsLSG #LSGvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/Q4FJc4sH0L
– Lomenn (@lomennTea) 23 May 2026
Shreyas Iyer, bow down! Brilliant, match-winning century from the captain to keep Punjab Kings in the playoff race! Smashed LSG bowlers all over the park. Leading from the front! #IPL2026 #PBKS #shreyasiyar pic.twitter.com/ZM10bcPv73
– WorldTESTCricketHQ (@WorldCricketMW) 23 May 2026
-Faced with unrealistic criticism
-All the blame was given to the bowlers who gave 200+ runs in every game
-Given one’s best performance in the field
-Never said objectionable things on social media
-Quietly let his bat speakShreyas Iyer, I know this season will not end on a good note but God please have mercy on him. pic.twitter.com/7cxDDcjqo5
– Saransh Sharma (@stlucia_92off41) 23 May 2026
Shreyas Iyer First Century 101
Very good batting so far in IPL career #shreyasiyaar #pbksvslsg #lsgvspbks pic.twitter.com/zXJCusfGCB– Drinkman (@shayranamahfil) 23 May 2026
Shreyas Iyer is a fierrrrr!!
Under pressure, big match… Shreyas is always there, big match player!!#LSGvsPBKS
โ Saravjit Singh (@sssandhu020) 23 May 2026
Read More: Yuzvendra Chahal bids farewell to Rishabh Pant in LSG vs PBKS match
