A high-stakes encounter in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 turned into a spectacle of a man Sunrisers HyderabadExplosive opener of Abhishek Sharma Scored a brilliant century against Delhi Capitals. With both teams fighting for crucial playoff positions – SRH are fourth and DC are fifth – the clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is crucial. However, it was Abhishek’s talent that made headlines and left fans in awe.
Abhishek Sharma’s explosive innings tied the score
After Delhi Capitals won the toss and decided to field, the decision quickly backfired as Abhishek launched a batting masterclass. Right from the start, the left-handed batsman looked in great touch and took on the bowlers with fearless intent and remarkable control.
Using his trademark high backlift and lightning-fast reflexes, Abhishek penetrated the gaps with ease, as well as clearing the ropes at will. Their dominance during the powerplay was particularly striking, as Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 80 runs within the first six overs – an early sign of the carnage to come.
Delhi bowlers tried many plans including change of pace and change of fields, but nothing worked. Abhishek’s ability to adapt quickly and maintain an aggressive stance left the opposition searching for answers throughout his innings.
Century in style: a memorable moment
The decisive moment of the innings came in the 15th over. Bringing the crowd to its feet, Abhishek hit a sky-scraping six over long-on to bring up his century in just 47 balls. The celebration that followed reflected both relief and dominance as the young opener basked in the thunderous applause of the Hyderabad crowd.
His approach to the nervous nineties made this innings even more special. Unlike many batsmen who slow down near the milestone, Abhishek continued to attack, epitomizing the fearless “SRH brand of cricket”. Reaching the three-figure mark with sixes perfectly reflects his intent and confidence.
This was his second IPL century and first of the 2026 season, further cementing his reputation as one of the most destructive T20 batsmen in the league.
Also read: IPL 2026: Know why Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Prafulla Hinge is not playing today’s match against Delhi Capitals
Equaling a legend: Virat Kohli’s unique record
Beyond the impact of the match, Abhishek’s innings has historical significance. With this century, he equaled his record and took his tally of T20 centuries to nine. Virat Kohli Record for most centuries scored by an Indian in men’s T20 cricket.
While Kohli’s centuries are often defined by composure and calculated acceleration, Abhishek’s approach reflects modern T20 evolution – fearless, aggressive and power-driven. To match a legend like Kohli at this stage of his career highlights Abhishek’s growing stature in the game.
Here’s how fans reacted
Century by Abhishek Sharma. 🔥🔥
– What a brilliant knock by Abhi, he has truly recovered and is back. A complete gun player, he has surrendered before his parents. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h4aqOOPCtq
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 21 April 2026
Abhishek Sharma scored 135 (68) runs. SRH got 242 runs for 2 wickets. And Abhishek said that it was not such an easy pitch to score on.
– Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) 21 April 2026
Abhishek Sharma scored a tremendous century#AbhishekSharma #SRHvsDC #IPL2026 #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/uPtDfNxZW0
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 21 April 2026
What a brilliant innings from Abhishek Sharma – a bit ‘slow’ by his standards but with about 6 overs left, Sunrisers Hyderabad should aim for 260 and shut the door on Delhi.#SRHvsDC
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) 21 April 2026
🚨Highest individual score by Indian batsmen in IPL🚨
Abhishek Sharma – 141(55) vs PBKS
Abhishek Sharma – 135*(68) vs DC pic.twitter.com/UKxFr8fjy9
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 21 April 2026
powerplay massacre
Abhishek Sharma got angry in the fifth over.
Against Matt Short: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6
Against Nitish Rana: 6, 6, 1Teams keep falling into the same trap. The IPL surfaces suit his fearless style, and once he gets going, there is little that can stop him.#SRHvsDC pic.twitter.com/VRyBmx5yfZ
– MK Sharma ✍️ (@EmediaManoj) 21 April 2026
Abhishek Sharma
The only player to score 130+ twice in IPL history
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) 21 April 2026
SRH scored 242/2 against DC
135(68)-Abhishek Sharma
37(26) – Travis Head
25(13) – Ishan Kishan
37(13) – Heinrich Klaasen– What an innings of Abhishek Sharma 🫡pic.twitter.com/Y6wDZPeeTi
– Cricket Central (@CricketCentral) 21 April 2026
Harsha Bhogle on live TV🎙;
This is the form we want to see of ‘Abhishek Sharma’. Looks like we’ve got another young Rohit Sharma in them
– Gilfeed⁷ (@Gill_Iss) 21 April 2026
– 48(21) vs KKR.
– 74(28) vs PBKS.
– 59(22) vs CSK.
– 135*(68) vs DC.Abhishek Sharma has been phenomenal for SRH – he is the Orange Cap holder. 👏🌟 pic.twitter.com/klhDd6NdNU
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) 21 April 2026
Also read: IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan reveals strategy to neutralize Delhi Capitals opener ahead of SRH clash
