At a glance
- Abhishek Sharma smashes 135* off 68 balls in IPL 2026 clash
- Sunrisers Hyderabad post imposing 242-2 against
- Delhi Capitals Delhi Capitals concede 116 runs in costly middle overs
A first innings of commanding stroke-play and fearless intent belonged entirely to Abhishek Sharma as Sunrisers Hyderabad piled up a daunting 242-2 against Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League 2026 clash in Hyderabad. View the full scorecard here.
Abhishek Sharma Lights Up Hyderabad And Dominates DC Bowlers
The left-handed opener delivered a knock of rare quality, finishing unbeaten on 135 off 68 balls. His innings blended power with precision, featuring 10 sixes and 10 boundaries. From the outset, he looked in complete control, dismantling a Delhi attack that struggled for answers on a batter-friendly surface.
Sunrisers made a brisk start despite Travis Head not quite finding his usual rhythm, scoring 37 off 26 balls. The pair still put together a fluent 97-run opening stand in 8.5 overs, laying the perfect platform.
Once Head departed, skipper Ishan Kishan added further momentum with a rapid 25 off 13 balls, combining for a 79-run stand for the second wicket in just 5.5 overs.
Middle Overs Collapse Leaves Delhi With Mountain To Climb
Abhishek remained the centrepiece throughout. His ability to adapt stood out, particularly against the variations of Lungi Ngidi, whom he handled with composure and timing. Most of his big hits came straight down the ground, underlining his control and confidence.
Delhi’s tactics came under scrutiny. The decision to persist with part-time off-spin from Nitish Rana proved expensive as he returned 0-55 in 4 overs. Meanwhile, frontline options like Kuldeep Yadav, who went for 0-30 in 2 overs, and skipper Axar Patel, who bowled just 2 overs for 1-23, were underutilised.
The turning point came in the middle phase. After a steady 67-0 in the powerplay, Delhi lost control between overs 7 and 15, conceding 116 runs. Abhishek Sharma lights up Hyderabad was once again evident in this passage as he accelerated with ease and punished anything loose.
Klaasen Caps Off Dominant Finish
As the innings wore on, Heinrich Klaasen added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 37 off 13 balls, ensuring there was no let-up in scoring.
The century came up in 47 balls, maintaining a strike rate above 200. It marked Abhishek’s second IPL hundred and ninth in T20 cricket, placing him alongside Virat Kohli in an elite bracket.
For Delhi Capitals, the chase now appears a daunting task. On a night shaped by one player’s brilliance, Sunrisers Hyderabad have taken firm control of the contest.
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