In a match that will be remembered as one of the most electrifying encounters of the IPL 2025 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma smashed his maiden IPL century, leading his team to a stunning 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Chasing a daunting target of 246 set by PBKS, SRH rode on Abhishek’s sensational 141 off 55 balls, complemented by a fiery 171-run opening stand with Travis Head, to secure the win with overs to spare.
The match began with PBKS posting a formidable 245/6, thanks to a series of aggressive contributions from their top order. However, the night belonged to Abhishek Sharma, who walked out to open the innings for SRH with a clear intent to dominate. From the first ball, the 24-year-old left-hander was in sublime form, dispatching the PBKS bowlers to all parts of the ground. His century came off just 40 balls, making it the second-fastest ton by an SRH batter in IPL history, only behind Travis Head’s 39-ball effort against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024.
Abhishek’s knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring 14 fours and 10 sixes, with a staggering strike rate of 256.36. His 141 now stands as the highest individual score for SRH in the IPL and the highest against PBKS in the competition’s history. The 171-run partnership with Head, who played a supporting role with a quickfire 50, set the tone for SRH’s chase, leaving the PBKS bowlers shell-shocked on a batting-friendly surface.
Reflecting on his performance, Abhishek said, “It feels surreal to score my first IPL hundred in front of the Hyderabad crowd. Travis and I had a plan to go hard from the start, and I’m glad it paid off.” SRH captain Pat Cummins also lauded the young batter, calling him “a future star of Indian cricket” and praising his ability to take on any bowling attack.
The victory propelled SRH to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, showcasing their dominance in the tournament so far. For PBKS, the loss highlighted their struggles with the ball, as their bowlers failed to contain SRH’s aggressive batting lineup. Fans on X were quick to celebrate Abhishek’s heroics, with many calling him the “future of Indian cricket” and praising SRH’s fearless approach.
Abhishek’s performance also added significant milestones to his IPL career. With this knock, he surpassed 1,500 runs in the IPL, now totaling 1,569 runs at an average of 25.69, with a strike rate of 159.77. His tally includes 152 fours and 83 sixes, underlining his reputation as a clean striker of the ball. In the broader T20 format, this was his seventh century, further cementing his status as one of India’s most promising young talents.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive form will be a key factor for SRH as they aim to clinch the title. For now, the Orange Army faithful will savor this unforgettable night in Hyderabad, where their young star lit up the stadium with a century for the ages.
