New Delhi: Kings XI Punjab youngster Cooper Connolly etched his name in IPL history with a sensational unbeaten century against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, becoming the youngest overseas batsman ever to score a century in the tournament.The 22-year-old Australian produced a stunning one-run stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, scoring an unbeaten 107 off just 59 balls as PBKS chased down 236 runs. Despite their impressive performance, SRH registered a commanding 33-match winning streak to top the IPL 2026 standings.
Connolly, 22 years and 257 days old, became the youngest overseas centurion in IPL history, breaking Quinton de Kock’s decade-old record.
Youngest overseas batsman to score century in IPL
- 22 years and 257 days – Cooper Connolly (PBKS) vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026
- 23rd 122d – Quinton de Kock (DD) bt RCB, Bangalore
- 23y 153d – David Warner (DD) vs KKR, Delhi, 2010
- 23y 330d – David Miller (KXIP) vs RCB, Mohali, 2013
- 23 years, 352 days – Cameron Green (Michigan) vs SRH, Wankhede, 2023
Connolly’s unbeaten 107 also became the PBKS batsman’s second IPL hundred at the age of 22, joining Prabhsimran Singh in the elite list.PBKS hits century in IPL at 22
- 103 – Prabhusimran Singh vs DC, Delhi, 2023
- 107 – Cooper Connolly vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026
The eight sixes hit by the left-hander are also the most by a 22-year-old PBKS batsman in an IPL innings, surpassing his highest score of seven against Lucknow Supergiants earlier this season.SRH bowlers break away from chase earlyChasing a formidable 236, Punjab almost immediately collapsed under the relentless pressure of SRH’s disciplined bowling attack.Priyansh Arya departed in the opening over before Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed Prabhsimran Singh cheaply. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer scored just five runs after being replaced by Eshan Malinga, leaving the visitors in trouble at 23/3 in four overs.As wickets tumbled around him, Connolly stepped up and launched a fearless fightback. He was supported by Marcus Stoinis (28 off 14), Suryansh Shedge (25 off 17) and Marco Jansen (19) but the asking price remained above 15 for most of the chase.Connolly eventually completed his maiden IPL century in just 57 balls and remained unbeaten with 7 fours and 8 sixes as PBKS ended on 202/7.The victory moved SRH to the top of the table with 14 points from 11 games, while PBKS slipped to second place after three consecutive defeats.
