The costliest overseas player of Indian Premier League, Ben Stokes finally justified his whopping INR 14.5 crore price tag with his maiden Twenty20 century to lead Rising Pune Supergiant to a stunning victory against Gujarat Lions on Monday (May 1).

Chasing 161, the Pune-based outfit was in deep trouble after being reduced 10 for 3 and then 42 for 4. MS Dhoni also played a little cameo in the win with a 26-run knock but it is safe to say that it was a one-man show. The England all-rounder had missed the last two two games with a shoulder injury and proved his importance by smashing a brilliant unbeaten 103 off 63 balls as the Supergiant chased down the total with one ball to spare. His brilliant knock was studded with 7 fours and six sixes.

It was the fourth century of this season’s IPL and only the second ever by an England batsman after Kevin Pietersen also made 103 in 2012. Stokes also shattered his previous T20 best of 77, which he made on his Big Bash debut in 2015.

The win, meanwhile, was second in a row and sixth in ten matches for the Pune-based outfit. They are currently fourth in the table and have become a serious contender to make it to the playoffs.

Stokes took to Twitter to thank his fans and well-wishers after playing the stunning knock

“Team is on a great run of form at the moment….thanks to everyone for your kind messages,great…,” the England star tweeted:

https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/859180253742325761