Youngest Overseas IPL Centurion: PBKS star Cooper Connolly Smashes Records against SRH

The 49th match of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will be remembered as one of the greatest spectacles in T20 history.

In a game where over 437 runs were scored, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) pushed the boundaries of power-hitting. While the evening featured two incredible centuries, it was young Australian sensation Cooper Connolly who stole the headlines by etching his name into the all-time record books.

After being put into bat, the Sunrisers Hyderabad opening duo of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head picked up exactly where they left off earlier in the season. Abhishek Sharma played a scintillating knock, smashing 35 off just 13 balls, while Head provided explosive support with 38 off 19 balls. Their dominance propelled SRH to a massive total of 235/4 in their 20 overs, leaving the Punjab Kings with a mountain to climb.

Cooper Connolly: The Record-Breaking PBKS Star

Faced with a target of 236, the Punjab Kings required something extraordinary. While the openers faltered to keep up with the chase, it was Cooper Connolly who played the innings of a lifetime.

Connolly remained unbeaten on 107 off just 59 deliveries*, his efforts were not enough to save PBKS from losing. In doing so, he became the youngest overseas centurion in IPL history.

A New Milestone in IPL History

According to the latest statistics, Connolly has surpassed legendary names to take the top spot on the list of youngest overseas players to reach triple figures in the tournament:

Cooper Connolly - 22Y 257D
Quinton de Kock - 23Y 122D
David Warner - 23Y 153D

By achieving this feat at just 22 years and 257 days, Connolly has officially eclipsed the marks set by Quinton de Kock and David Warner, both of whom were over 23 when they recorded their maiden IPL centuries.

The victory kept the Sunrisers Hyderabad's momentum soaring at the top of the table, but the night belonged to Cooper Connolly. His blend of composure and raw power not only secured a historic chase for his franchise but also signalled the arrival of a new superstar on the global stage. As the IPL 2026 season nears its business end, this record-breaking performance will undoubtedly be cited as a defining moment of the campaign.