IPL2026 : Abhishek Sharma’s Unstoppable 135 Powers SRH to big win over Delhi Capitals

 

When Sunrisers Hyderabad’s top order fires, opposition teams are often left staring at an uphill battle—and that prediction once again proved absolutely spot-on against Delhi Capitals. Riding on a sensational and commanding innings from Abhishek Sharma, Hyderabad posted a daunting total of 242/2, putting Delhi Capitals under immense pressure. The star opener remained unbeaten on a blistering 135, leading the charge with authority.

After winning the toss, Delhi skipper Axar Patel opted to bowl first, handing Sunrisers Hyderabad the opportunity to bat on their home turf. The decision quickly backfired as the Hyderabad openers came out with their trademark aggressive intent.

Abhishek and Travis Head launched into the attack right from the outset. While Head played a brisk knock of 37 off 26 balls, laced with 2 fours and 2 sixes, Abhishek anchored one end with remarkable composure. The duo stitched together a rapid 97-run opening stand in just 8.5 overs, setting the tone for a high-scoring innings.

Following Head’s dismissal, captain Ishan Kishan joined Abhishek in the middle, and the scoring rate only surged further. The young pair looked fearless and dominant, dismantling Delhi’s bowling attack with ease. Bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Axar, and Lungi Ngidi struggled to find answers as Hyderabad consistently scored at 11–12 runs per over.

At one stage, Kishan smartly rotated strike to allow Abhishek more time at the crease, displaying sharp captaincy. Abhishek, in full flow, raced from 92 to 104 with back-to-back towering sixes, bringing up his century in just 47 balls. Even after reaching the milestone, he showed no signs of slowing down.

A brief moment of drama saw Kishan run out for 25 off 13 balls—featuring 2 fours and a six—after a straight drive from Abhishek deflected onto the stumps via Nitish Rana, catching the skipper outside his crease.

Unfazed, Abhishek continued his relentless assault. As the innings progressed, he looked increasingly unstoppable. His unbeaten 135 off 68 balls was a masterclass in power-hitting, decorated with 10 fours and 10 sixes. This marked his second IPL century and ninth in T20 cricket, drawing him level with Virat Kohli for the most T20 centuries by an Indian.

Heinrich Klaasen provided the perfect finishing touch, playing a fiery cameo of 37* off just 13 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes, while ensuring Abhishek remained the focal point of the innings.

It was a forgettable outing for Delhi’s bowlers, none of whom looked in control. Nitish Rana conceded 55 runs in his four overs without success, while Ngidi went wicketless for 41. Mukesh Kumar leaked 53 runs, and Axar managed just one wicket. Kuldeep and T Natarajan also proved expensive as Hyderabad’s batters dictated terms throughout.

With such a colossal total on the board, Hyderabad not only seized control of the match but also sent a strong warning to the rest of the league—their batting unit, when in full flow, can be virtually unstoppable.

Delhi Capitals were never in the hunt in reply although they made a valiant attempt. They lost Nissanka (8) early . KL Rahul (37) & an aggressive Nitish Rana (57) tried to keep Delhi in the game but the new found SRH bowling attack kept taking wickets regularly pegging back the visitors . Rizvi (41) & Stubbs (27) could not get hold of the SRH bowling as Delhi ended at 195/9 to lose by 47 runs . Malinga 4/32 was brilliant today while Harsh Dubey (3 /12 ) , Saqib Hossain (1/26) were superb as well as the newly constructed SRH bowling attack continue to improve . Abhishek was obviously the player of the match after his breathtaking hundred .