De Kock Hits IPL Century but PBKS Chase 195 in 16.3 Overs

Mumbai Indians opener Quinton de Kock smashed an unbeaten 112 off 60 balls on Thursday, powering his team to 195 for six against Punjab Kings in Match 24 of the Indian Premier League at Wankhede Stadium. Despite the South African's blistering knock, featuring eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 186.67, Punjab Kings chased down the target with ease, securing a seven-wicket victory in 16.3 overs.

De Kock, making his first appearance of the IPL 2026 season after sitting out the initial four matches, stepped in as opener due to Rohit Sharma's hamstring injury from the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Mumbai, who also missed all-rounder Mitchell Santner due to illness, lost early wickets to slump to 12 for two in 2.2 overs. De Kock then steadied the innings with a crucial 122-run partnership for the third wicket off 68 balls alongside Naman Dhir, who scored 50 off 31 deliveries. This stand marked Mumbai's highest third-wicket alliance in IPL history, surpassing the 116-run effort between Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan in 2023.

Resuming after Dhir's dismissal, de Kock added a quick 41-run stand off 23 balls with captain Hardik Pandya, who made 14. The...