Cooper Connolly creates new record in IPL [Source: AFP]Punjab Kings lost their third game in a row as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat them by 33 runs in the 49th fixture of the IPL 2026 season. However, despite the defeat, Cooper Connolly stole the limelight with a record knock.Batting first, SRH had set a steep total of 235/4 after the top four batters made equal contributions. While Punjab have chased down big totals in the past, Sunrisers didn’t give them any room this time.Cooper Connolly hits record IPL hundred Punjab Kings lost both the openers with just 4 runs on the board. The middle order couldn’t survive SRH bowlers’ wrath either, as they lost 4 wickets with 63 runs on the board.However, against the odds, Cooper Connolly stood tall from one end. He scored a quick half-century and kept pushing until the final ball. Connolly went on to convert his fifty into a remarkable century as he walked back unbeaten on 107 off 59 balls.That being said, at just 22 years and 257 days, the young Australian sensation has rewritten the record books, surpassing some of the biggest names to have graced the tournament. Youngest Overseas player to Score IPL Century 22yrs 257d - Cooper Connolly23yrs 122d - Quinton De Kock 23yrs 153d - David Warner 23yrs 330d - David Miller 23yrs 352d - Cameron GreenHe is now the youngest overseas player to score an IPL century, thus edging past big names like David Warner and Quinton de Kock. What makes this achievement even more significant is that Cooper Connolly was fighting alone for Punjab Kings.Also Read - SRH Qualification Scenario For IPL 2026 Playoffs After Win Vs PBKSPunjab Kings drop their third game in IPL 2026Despite the heroics of Cooper Connolly, Punjab Kings ended up on the losing side after falling short at 202/7. PBKS suffered an early collapse that left them reeling inside the powerplay.Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis and Suryansh Shedge fought hard, but the steep target proved too much. Earlier, SRH unleashed a relentless assault to post a massive 235/4 in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma set the tone early with a blistering 35 off just 13 balls, while Travis Head maintained the tempo with a quick 38. The innings was then anchored by Ishan Kishan, who struck 55, before Heinrich Klaasen took charge with a superb 69. A late flourish from Nitish Kumar Reddy ensured SRH finished with one of the highest totals of the season.Meanwhile, Punjab have lost their third straight game in this IPL 2026 season and lost the top spot of the points table. SRH, on the other hand, are the new table-toppers with 14 points in 11 games.PBKS are still favourites for a playoff spotHaving said that, despite the heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings are still ahead in the playoff race. They need just 2 more wins from the remaining four games to fix a spot in the top four.However, PBKS will definitely hope for more. They would aim to finish in the top 2 to get an extra opportunity at booking a berth in the finale.After failing to win their maiden IPL title in 2025 by a whisker, Punjab Kings will certainly hope to accomplish the unfinished business this year.Also Read - Why Is Shashank Singh Dropping So Many Catches In IPL 2026? Decoding The Reasons
