Preity Zinta’s emotional hug and selfie celebration with Shreyas Iyer went viral after the PBKS skipper smashed a match-winning century to keep Punjab Kings alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race.
Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta once again became the centre of attention after her emotional celebration with skipper Shreyas Iyer following PBKS’ crucial seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
Moments after the match ended at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday, Zinta rushed onto the field, tightly hugged Iyer, and clicked selfies with him as PBKS stayed alive in the race for the IPL playoffs.
The heartwarming moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, with fans praising the bond between the franchise owner and her captain.
Over the last two IPL seasons, Zinta and Iyer have shared several memorable celebrations after important wins, but this embrace carried extra significance because of the pressure surrounding Punjab’s playoff qualification scenario.
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Shreyas Iyer Delivers Captain’s Knock Under Pressure
Punjab Kings entered the match needing a victory to remain in contention for a top-four finish, and their captain responded with one of the finest knocks of IPL 2026. Chasing a daunting target of 197, PBKS lost Priyansh Arya on the very first ball of the innings before Cooper Connolly also departed early.
However, Shreyas Iyer absorbed the pressure brilliantly and stitched together a match-winning partnership with Prabhsimran Singh. While Prabhsimran smashed 69 off 39 balls, it was Iyer who controlled the chase with remarkable composure and aggression.
The PBKS skipper remained unbeaten on 101 off just 51 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and five sixes at a strike rate touching 200. His century guided Punjab Kings to 200/3 in just 18 overs and earned him the Player of the Match award.
As soon as the winning runs were scored, cameras captured an overjoyed Preity Zinta celebrating passionately from the stands before heading down to the ground. The actress and franchise co-owner embraced Iyer tightly before posing for selfies alongside the PBKS players.
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PBKS Qualification Scenario Still Complicated
The victory lifted Punjab Kings to fourth place in the IPL 2026 points table. However, their playoff qualification is still not fully secured. PBKS now need Mumbai Indians to defeat Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming clash to confirm their spot in the playoffs.
If Rajasthan Royals win, Punjab will be eliminated. Kolkata Knight Riders also remain mathematically alive and can overtake PBKS on net run rate with a massive win over Delhi Capitals.
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