Rishabh Pant’s LSG Crushed by Shreyas Iyer’s Century in IPL 2026 Clash Against PBKS
Shreyas Iyer‘s Masterclass Ends LSG’s Season on Sour Note
In a match that meant little in the standings but everything in pride, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) delivered a statement victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 68 of IPL 2026. Chasing 197, PBKS cruised to victory with a ball to spare, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 101 off just 51 balls by captain Shreyas Iyer.
Iyer’s Century Seals Dominant PBKS Win
LSG, already eliminated from playoff contention, looked set for a consolation win after posting a competitive 196 for 6 in their 20 overs. However, their bowling hopes unraveled under the weight of Iyer’s aggression. Teaming up with Prabhsimran Singh, who provided a steady 47 off 35, Iyer dismantled the LSG attack with surgical precision.
The turning point came in the 16th over when a six off Mohsin Khan brought up Iyer’s maiden IPL century — a milestone that also sealed the game for PBKS. They reached 198 for 3 in 17.6 overs, completing a seven-wicket win and continuing their dominance over LSG.
Pant Reflects on Tough Season with Mixed Emotions
For Rishabh Pant, the post-match presentation was another moment of reflection after a grueling campaign. Speaking with sincerity, Pant acknowledged the challenge of swallowing another defeat.
“Initial thoughts are, it’s a tough one, we have to bite the bullet, keep our heads high. It’s been a lot of learning — tough season for us for sure.”
Pant stood by his squad, refusing to single out any bowler for blame. Instead, he pointed to the nature of the pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium, which he believes favors teams chasing.
“I think we scored enough. It’s harder in the second innings because the batting gets easier; that’s why everyone wants to field first.”
Finding Positives Amid Disappointment
Despite the bitter end, Pant focused on the positives, highlighting key contributors who shone bright in an otherwise inconsistent season.
- Josh Inglis: Reliable with the bat and electric behind the stumps.
- Mitchell Marsh: Impactful all-round performances under pressure.
- Prince Yadav: Emerged as a promising young talent.
- Mohsin Khan: Strong comeback after injury setbacks.
- Mohammed Shami: Remained a consistent threat with the ball.
Pant ended on a hopeful note, vowing to return stronger next season.
“Definitely a lot of positives. It’s been a long season, but we promise to come back stronger next year.”
Stats That Define the Match
The numbers underline PBKS’s growing dominance over LSG. This marked their fourth consecutive win against the Lucknow outfit since 2025, including their third victory in four meetings at Ekana Stadium. Riding high on Iyer’s brilliance, PBKS finish their campaign with momentum, while LSG are left to regroup and rebuild.
As the dust settles on another IPL season for Lucknow, the message from Pant is clear: disappointment today, but determination for tomorrow.
