Shreyas Iyer scores 101 not out, becomes 4th captain to hit century in IPL chase

Shreyas Iyer's 101 not out is the 4th captain's century in an IPL chase. This is his first century for Punjab Kings.
By Newsroom | Cricket, Indian Premier League |

Shreyas Iyer, captain of the Punjab Kings, has etched his name into the Indian Premier League record books by scoring an unbeaten 101 runs in a run-chase against the Lucknow Super Giants. This feat makes him the fourth captain in IPL history to achieve this milestone. The knock, which came off just 51 balls and included 11 boundaries and five sixes, powered Punjab Kings to a much-needed victory, ending a six-match losing streak.

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The performance is significant not only for its individual brilliance but also for its contribution to the team's survival, albeit precarious, in the playoff race. Iyer’s century, his first for Punjab Kings and second overall in the IPL, coupled with Prabhsimran Singh’s 69, guided the team to successfully chase a target of 197 runs with seven wickets and two overs to spare. This win also saw Iyer cross the 7,000-run mark in T20 cricket.

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Historical Context and Performance Metrics

Iyer now stands alongside illustrious names like Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Sanju Samson as captains who have scored centuries while pursuing a target in the IPL. This accomplishment places him in an elite category, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure.

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PlayerCentury ScoreOpponentYear
Virender Sehwag119Deccan Chargers2011
Virat Kohli108*Rising Pune Supergiant2016
Sanju Samson119PBKS2021
Shreyas Iyer101*LSG2026

Since joining the Punjab Kings, Iyer has accumulated 1,102 runs in 31 matches, averaging 52.47 with a strike rate exceeding 172. His captaincy at Punjab Kings has seen a notable century and 11 half-centuries, highlighting his consistent contribution to the team's batting efforts.

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The match itself saw the Lucknow Super Giants post a competitive total of 196 for 6, thanks to notable contributions from Josh Inglis (72), Ayush Badoni (43), and Abdul Samad (37 not out). Punjab Kings' bowling attack, with wickets from Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Shashank Singh, managed to restrict LSG to that score.

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Playoff Aspirations and Team Standing

While the victory is a morale booster, Punjab Kings' playoff qualification remains dependent on other results. They currently sit fourth on the IPL 2026 Points Table with 15 points from 14 games. A favourable outcome in the match between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders could still see Punjab Kings through, though their fate is largely out of their direct control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Shreyas Iyer and what did he achieve on May 25, 2026?
Shreyas Iyer, captain of Punjab Kings, scored an unbeaten 101 runs in a chase against Lucknow Super Giants on May 25, 2026. This made him the fourth captain in IPL history to score a century while chasing a target.
Q: How did Shreyas Iyer's century help Punjab Kings?
Iyer's 101 not out, along with Prabhsimran Singh's 69, helped Punjab Kings chase a target of 197 runs. They won the match by seven wickets with two overs left, ending a six-match losing streak.
Q: Who are the other captains who have scored a century in an IPL chase?
Shreyas Iyer joins Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, and Sanju Samson as captains who have scored centuries while chasing a target in the IPL.
Q: What is the current IPL 2026 playoff situation for Punjab Kings after this win?
The win boosted Punjab Kings' morale, but their playoff qualification still depends on other match results. They are currently fourth with 15 points from 14 games, and need favourable outcomes from other matches to advance.