Abhishek’s record‑breaking innings
India’s explosive opener Abhishek Sharma smashed an unbeaten 135 from 68 balls as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a mammoth 242–2 against Delhi Capitals in Hyderabad. His knock stands as the fifth‑highest individual score in IPL history, sitting behind only Chris Gayle (175*), Brendon McCullum (158*), Abhishek’s own 141 last season, and Quinton de Kock’s 140.espncricinfo+3
Playing throughout the innings, the 25‑year‑old left‑hander smashed 10 sixes and 10 fours, reaching his century in just 47 balls. Strong straight drives and clean timing off the pitch rattled Delhi’s bowling attack and shifted the game by the end of the first 10 overs.sportsadda+3
Sunrisers dominate the chase
Delhi Capitals replied with 195–9 as they chased a daunting 243 target. Eshan Malinga gave Sunrisers the upper hand with a sharp 4–32, regularly breaking partnerships and keeping the chase under control. Nitish Rana’s 57 brought some resistance, but Delhi never truly threatened the target.hindustantimes+3
The 47‑run win also marked Sunrisers’ third consecutive victory in IPL 2026, pushing them up the points table and reinforcing their status as a top‑tier side this season.youtubesportsadda
Abhishek’s place in T20 history
Abhishek’s 135* is now the second‑highest score of his IPL career and his ninth overall T20 century, lifting him into joint fourth on the all‑time list for T20 hundreds.espncricinfo+2
He has already struck two T20 international centuries and another IPL ton, including his 141 in Hyderabad last year. His explosive partnership with Travis Head at Sunrisers has become one of the most feared opening duos in franchise cricket, particularly since Pat Cummins and Daniel Vettori took over as captain and coach in 2024.thenewsmill+1youtube
After starting the last T20 World Cup with three consecutive ducks, Abhishek silenced doubters with a match‑winning 52 in the final against New Zealand.timesofindia.indiatimesyoutube
What Abhishek said after the knock
Reflecting on his innings, Abhishek highlighted how the team’s environment and backing from the captain and coach empowered him to play freely in the powerplay.thenewsmill+1
“I always wanted to show my talent in the powerplay, but you need support from the captain and the coach,” Abhishek said. “The environment we built in 2024 changed everything for us. I wanted to play this way in Punjab as well.”thenewsmill+1
