Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a batting masterclass in IPL 2026, powered by a sensational century from Abhishek Sharma against Delhi Capitals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on April 21. On a surface ideal for stroke play, DC skipper Axar Patel opted to field first — a decision that quickly backfired.
SRH got off to a flying start as Travis Head and Abhishek stitched together a 97-run opening stand inside nine overs. Head contributed a brisk 37, setting the tone before falling just as the innings gathered momentum. Ishan Kishan then walked in and kept the pressure on, smashing a quick 25 before suffering a cruel run-out, a moment that briefly halted SRH’s charge.
WATCH – Unlucky Run-Out Ends Ishan Kishan’s Blitz As SRH Continue Dominance
From there on, it was Abhishek’s show. The left-hander played one of the most dominant knocks of the season, finishing unbeaten on 135 off just 68 deliveries. His innings, laced with 10 fours and 10 sixes, was a perfect blend of controlled aggression and fearless hitting. He took apart both pace and spin, never allowing DC’s bowlers to settle.
Incredible knock, iconic celebration 🙌
An Abhishek Sharma special lights up Hyderabad 💯
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/VgUjXDlrDh#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #SRHvDC | @SunRisers | @OfficialAbhi04 pic.twitter.com/QUWtkWuX0D
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2026
Nervous nineties simply do not exist for this man 😬
🎥 An unforgettable way for Abhishek Sharma to bring up his HUNDRED! 🌟
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/VgUjXDlrDh#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #SRHvDC | @SunRisers | @OfficialAbhi04 pic.twitter.com/FdMlwmXt1l
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2026
At the death, Heinrich Klaasen provided the perfect finishing flourish. The wicketkeeper-batter hammered 37* off just 13 balls, including three fours and three sixes, as SRH surged to a daunting 242/2 in 20 overs.
WATCH – Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma Dominate Kuldeep Yadav As SRH Unleash Batting Storm
Abhishek brought up his century in style, smashing consecutive sixes off Nitish Rana, followed by a heartfelt celebration that lit up the stadium. In the stands, team owner Kavya Maran and his father Raj Kumar Sharma were visibly thrilled, soaking in a truly special innings that could define SRH’s campaign.
