De Kock's 112 Against PBKS Makes Him First Overseas Player to Hit Centuries for Three IPL Teams

Mumbai Indians’ wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock produced a record-breaking performance in IPL 2026, smashing an unbeaten 112 against Punjab Kings and setting multiple milestones in the process during a high-intensity match on Thursday. The South African batter, playing his first game of the season, anchored MI’s recovery after a shaky start and helped the team reach a competitive total of 195/6.

De Kock was brought into the playing XI as a replacement for Rohit Sharma and made an immediate impact with a fluent and commanding innings. His knock came at a crucial stage when Mumbai Indians were struggling at 15/2 inside the first three overs, putting the side under early pressure against a disciplined Punjab bowling attack. Alongside Naman Dhir, who contributed a gritty 50, de Kock helped rebuild the innings with a strong partnership.

The left-handed batter’s unbeaten 112 not only revived the Mumbai Indians’ innings but also placed him ahead of Rohit Sharma’s previous high score for the franchise in a first innings situation. His performance also marked his third IPL century, further strengthening his reputation as one of the most consistent overseas performers in the league’s history.

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In the process, de Kock also reached a significant wicketkeeper-related milestone in IPL records, surpassing MS Dhoni in terms of 25-plus fifty scores as a designated IPL wicketkeeper. This achievement added another layer of statistical significance to his innings, highlighting his longevity and consistency across multiple seasons and franchises in the tournament.

Another landmark from the innings was de Kock becoming the first overseas player in IPL history to score centuries for three different franchises. This rare feat underscores his adaptability across teams and conditions, as he continues to deliver impactful performances in various IPL setups over the years.

Despite de Kock’s heroics, Mumbai Indians eventually found themselves under pressure again as Punjab Kings chased down the target comfortably. However, his innings stood out as the defining individual performance of the match, offering MI a rare bright spot in an otherwise difficult start to their IPL 2026 campaign.

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