Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer recorded his first IPL century of career and guided the side to a seven-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants. The sides were up against each other on Saturday, May 23 in a do-or-die clash for the Kings at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The game saw the visiting skipper win the toss and invite the rivals to put the score on the board first. LSG rode on Josh Inglis’ 72 run-knock off 44 deliveries as well as Ayush Badoni’s 43 runs in 18 deliveries, putting up a total of 196 runs with the loss of six wickets.

In return, Punjab got off to a disastrous start, and after losing their opener Priyansh Arya on a golden duck, lost Cooper Connolly on 18 runs. However, Prabhsimran Singh and skipper Shreyas Iyer stood firm on the crease and put up a crucial 140-run stand off 76 deliveries for the third wicket. Not only this, but Iyer also recorded his first IPL century and guided the side to a crucial 7-wicket win over the counterparts to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Shreyas Iyer records maiden IPL 100

PBKS skipper and a talismanic batter, Iyer, surpassed his previous set high scores and recorded his first ever IPL hundred. He utilized 51 deliveries for the same and reached the feat with a six off Mohsin Khan delivery on the last ball of the 18th over. The 31-year-old took off his helmet and lifted his arms up while his co-batter Suryansh Shedge embraced him. With the win, Punjab’s six-game losing skid also came to an end and the season for them is still alive.

Following the game, PBKS coach Ricky Ponting lauded Iyer for his effort. He said, “The captain, he's done that all season. That's his first IPL century tonight. There's a reason I spent as much money at the auction a couple of years ago. Delighted to work with him. The level of cricket we played in the first half was a level I've never seen before.” Notably, earlier in the game, Iyer also crossed the 7000 T20-run mark, and remained unbeaten on 101.