IPL 2026: Cooper Connolly creates historic milestone, becomes youngest overseas batter to…
Young Australian Cooper Connolly achieved IPL history with a stunning unbeaten 107 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, becoming the youngest overseas batter to score a century. Despite his remarkable knock, Punjab Kings fell short by 33 runs. Connolly's century, his first in the IPL, showcased a brilliant lone-hand effort in a high-scoring chase.
NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings youngster Cooper Connolly etched his name into IPL history on Wednesday with a sensational unbeaten century against Sunrisers Hyderabad, becoming the youngest overseas batter ever to score a hundred in the tournament. The 22-year-old Australian produced a breathtaking lone-hand effort at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, smashing an unbeaten 107 off just 59 deliveries during PBKS’ chase of 236. Despite his heroics, SRH secured a commanding 33-run victory to climb to the top of the IPL 2026 standings.
Connolly, aged 22 years and 257 days, broke Quinton de Kock’s decade-old record to become the youngest overseas centurion in IPL history. Youngest overseas batter to score a century in IPL 22y 257d – Cooper Connolly (PBKS) vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026 23y 122d – Quinton de Kock (DD) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2016 23y 153d – David Warner (DD) vs KKR, Delhi, 2010 23y 330d – David Miller (KXIP) vs RCB, Mohali, 2013 23y 352d – Cameron Green (MI) vs SRH, Wankhede, 2023 Connolly’s unbeaten 107 also became only the second IPL century by a PBKS batter at the age of 22, joining Prabhsimran Singh on the elite list. PBKS centuries at age 22 in IPL 103 – Prabhsimran Singh vs DC, Delhi, 2023 107 – Cooper Connolly vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2026 The left-hander’s eight sixes were also the most by a PBKS batter aged 22 in an IPL innings, surpassing his own previous best of seven maximums earlier this season against Lucknow Super Giants.
SRH bowlers derail chase early Chasing a daunting 236, Punjab’s innings collapsed almost immediately under relentless pressure from SRH’s disciplined bowling attack. Priyansh Arya departed for one in the opening over before Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed Prabhsimran Singh cheaply. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer then fell for just five after being removed by Eshan Malinga, leaving the visitors in deep trouble at 23/3 inside four overs.
While wickets tumbled around him, Connolly stood tall with a fearless counterattack. He found support from Marcus Stoinis (28 off 14), Suryansh Shedge (25 off 17) and Marco Jansen (19), but the asking rate remained above 15 for most of the chase. 130880501 Connolly eventually brought up his maiden IPL century in just 57 balls, finishing unbeaten with seven fours and eight sixes as PBKS ended on 202/7.