Abhishek Sharma lit up Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings with a stunning power-packed century as the franchise delivered a dominant batting show against Delhi Capitals. After Delhi elected to field first, Sharma turned that decision into a nightmare, racing to a rapid hundred and finishing unbeaten on 135 off 68 balls. His innings included 10 sixes, helping SRH post a commanding 242 for 2 in 20 overs.
Key takeaways
- Abhishek Sharma struck his second IPL century of the season, finishing unbeaten on 135 off 68 deliveries.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad amassed 242 for 2 after Delhi Capitals chose to bowl first.
- Sharma’s knock featured 10 sixes, and it was the second time he has reached that double-figure sixes mark in an IPL innings.
- The innings propelled him to nine T20 hundreds, level with Virat Kohli among Indian batters.
- He also completed 350 sixes in T20 cricket, reinforcing his reputation as one of the format’s most explosive hitters.
Abhishek’s rapid rise and milestone haul
Sharma’s 135* was not just another big score—it underlined how quickly he has grown as a T20 force. He reached the century in just 47 balls, then continued to pile on the pressure, staying unbeaten through the chase of the target SRH had set themselves.
The innings carried a special statistic as well: he became only the second player after Chris Gayle to register 10 or more sixes in multiple IPL innings. Sharma has now done it twice, cementing his ability to clear the ropes consistently in high-pressure situations.
With this contribution, Abhishek moved to nine T20 centuries, drawing level with Virat Kohli in the tally for Indian batters. In the broader all-time picture, Gayle remains the pace-setter with 22 hundreds, with Babar Azam next on 12, and David Warner on 10. Sharma now sits alongside Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw and Sahibzada Farhan in the following bracket.
A complete batting masterclass for SRH
SRH’s top order provided the platform, with strong support coming from Travis Head, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Even so, Sharma remained the centre of attention, carrying his bat through the innings and accelerating precisely when the match demanded it.
There was also a moment of fortune that helped shape the innings. On 49, Sharma survived a straightforward run-out chance when KL Rahul missed the opportunity. That reprieve proved pivotal as Sharma went on to produce one of the most destructive knocks of the season.
Where his 135* ranks among IPL’s best
Sharma’s 135* places him among the highest individual scores in IPL history, with the number sitting just behind the standout unbeaten efforts of 175 by Chris Gayle and 158* by Brendon McCullum. The elite list also includes 141 by Abhishek Sharma from last season, showing his consistency in delivering major totals.
Highest individual scores in the IPL:
- 175* — C Gayle (RCB vs PWI, Bengaluru, 2013)
- 158* — B McCullum (KKR vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2008)
- 141 — Abhishek Sharma (SRH vs PK, Hyderabad, 2025)
- 140* — Q de Kock (LSG vs KKR, Navi Mumbai, 2022)
- 135* — Abhishek Sharma (SRH vs DC, Hyderabad, 2026)
Overall, the night belonged to Abhishek Sharma—an innings built on timing, power and fearless intent. With SRH clicking as a unit and Sharma leading the charge with a dominant 135* and 10 sixes, Delhi Capitals were left with a chase that quickly became daunting.
