Ananya Lohia , Lucknow - Shreyas Iyer delivered a captain’s knock under immense pressure as he smashed his maiden IPL century to guide Punjab Kings to a crucial seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. Chasing a challenging target of 197 at the Ekana Stadium, Iyer remained unbeaten on 101 and sealed the victory in style with a six, keeping Punjab’s fading playoff hopes alive after six consecutive defeats.

Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants posted 196/6 after Punjab opted to bowl first. Josh Inglis anchored the innings with a fluent 72 off 44 balls, while Ayush Badoni added a quickfire 43 off 18 and Abdul Samad finished strongly with an unbeaten 37 off 20. Punjab’s chase began disastrously as Mohammed Shami struck twice early, removing Priyansh Arya on the first ball and later dismissing Cooper Connolly. Reduced to 22/2, Punjab looked headed for another collapse before Iyer steadied the innings. The turnaround came through a magnificent 140-run partnership between Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh. Prabhsimran counterattacked brilliantly with 69 off 39 balls, taking pressure off his captain, while Iyer paced the chase with composure before accelerating at the perfect time. Even after Arjun Tendulkar dismissed Prabhsimran lbw, Punjab remained firmly in control thanks to Iyer’s authority at the crease.

The defining moment arrived in the 16th over when Iyer tore into Mohammed Shami, smashing three sixes to race into the 90s and virtually finish the contest. With Punjab needing just three runs from 13 balls and Iyer six short of his century, the skipper produced the perfect ending by launching another maximum to complete his maiden IPL hundred and seal victory in emphatic fashion.

The result does not guarantee Punjab Kings a playoff berth, but it keeps their campaign alive after a difficult run of losses. More importantly, Shreyas Iyer’s unforgettable innings restored belief to a side that was rapidly slipping out of contention, proving once again why captains are often judged by how they respond when the pressure is greatest.