Abhishek Sharma Smashes Unbeaten 135 as Delhi Capitals Collapse in IPL Match

Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive 242 for 2, powered by a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma off just 68 balls, as he carried his bat through a full 20-over IPL innings for the first time. He was well supported by Heinrich Klaasen (37*) and Travis Head (37), while Axar Patel picked up 1 for 23 for Delhi Capitals.

In response, Delhi Capitals were restricted to 195 for 9, falling short by 47 runs despite a fighting 57 from Nitish Rana and 41 from Sameer Rizvi. The chase never fully took off as SRH’s bowling attack applied constant pressure, with Eshan Malinga (4 for 32) and Sakib Hussain (3 for 12) breaking the backbone of the innings in the middle overs.

Rana, unusually used as an offspinner to counter SRH’s left-hand-heavy top order, managed to keep things tight early on, but still conceded 55 runs in his spell as SRH’s batters maintained control. The turning point came between the 10th and 11th overs when quick wickets derailed DC’s chase, leaving them needing an improbable 137 from 58 balls.

The result lifted SRH level with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals in the standings, underlining their strong campaign, while DC’s struggles against high-scoring teams continued. Abhishek’s knock also saw him equal Virat Kohli’s tally of nine T20 centuries, placing him among the elite list of Indian batters in the format.