KKN Gurugram Desk | In a stunning display of power-hitting and resilience, Abhishek Sharma guided Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a thrilling victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League 2025 match no. 27. Sharma’s record-breaking knock of 141 off 55 balls helped SRH complete a remarkable chase of 246 runs in just 18.3 overs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock Shatters Multiple IPL Milestones

Abhishek Sharma’s incredible innings rewrote multiple records in the IPL. Not only did he lead SRH to the highest successful chase in their IPL history, but he also set a new benchmark for the highest individual score by an Indian player in the tournament’s history. Sharma’s knock overtook the previous record held by KL Rahul, who scored 132 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

The Southpaw’s performance has now etched his name into IPL history as he became the first Indian player to score 141 runs in a single innings. Sharma’s remarkable knock came at a crucial time for SRH, who had been on a five-match losing streak before this encounter.

Fastest Century by an Indian in IPL History

Abhishek Sharma took just 40 balls to reach his century, making it the third-fastest century by an Indian player in the history of the IPL. This stunning feat places him fifth overall in the list of fastest centuries in the league. Sharma’s ability to accelerate and score at such a rapid pace highlighted his adaptability and skill under pressure.

His blistering century was part of a highly productive opening partnership with Travis Head, where the duo added an impressive 171 runs for the first wicket. This partnership became the second-highest opening stand in SRH’s history, further strengthening Sharma’s place in the annals of IPL records.

10 Sixes in an Explosive Innings

Sharma’s innings was not only marked by his fast-paced runs but also by the sheer power he displayed with the bat. The 24-year-old smashed 10 sixes during his explosive knock, which is the second-most sixes hit by an Indian player in a single IPL innings. The record for the most sixes by an Indian player in an innings still stands at 11, achieved by Murali Vijay in IPL 2010 while playing for Chennai Super Kings.

Sharma’s six-hitting ability was on full display as he sent the ball sailing into the stands, much to the delight of the Orange Army fans, who had been waiting for a win after a challenging start to the season.

SRH’s Record Chase and Dominant Performance

The win over PBKS was not only a moment of individual brilliance but also a collective team effort. The chase of 246 runs seemed daunting at first, but Sharma’s explosive batting led SRH to an eight-wicket victory. This marked their highest-ever successful chase in IPL history and sent a message to the rest of the league that SRH was back on track.

The chase was a crucial moment for SRH, who had been struggling with their form throughout the season. This victory not only broke their losing streak but also rejuvenated the team’s morale and brought hope back to the camp.

Abhishek Sharma’s Reflections on His Stunning Performance

After the match, Abhishek Sharma spoke with great humility and reflected on his performance and the team’s efforts. He thanked his teammates, especially his opening partner, Travis Head, for his support and partnership during the match.

Sharma shared his feelings about the difficult run of form he had been in prior to this match. “It’s not easy for any player to go through that form. Special mention to the team and captain. The message to the batters was very simple. Even though I was not doing well, we had a talk, and it was a special day for both of us,” he said.

Sharma further added, “I never play anything behind the wicket, but today I was trying a few shots because of the size and the bounce on this wicket. I wanted to invent some new shots, and it worked out well.”

He also acknowledged the support of his mentors, saying, “The whole team is waiting for my parents. They are very lucky for the team and Orange Army. We didn’t talk anything, we just wanted to express and play our natural game. This one is very special, and I was thinking about breaking the losing streak. It was very tough as a player and a youngster, but the mood in the team was very good. Special mention to Yuvi (Yuvraj Singh), I have been talking to him, and also thanks to Suryakumar Yadav, who has always been there for me.”

Punjab Kings’ Total of 246 Falls Short in IPL 2025 Thriller

While Punjab Kings posted a daunting total of 245/4 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to an outstanding contribution from their top-order, it was ultimately not enough to stop Abhishek Sharma and his explosive batting display. Punjab’s batting lineup, led by Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone, seemed set to take the game to an insurmountable total, but their efforts were overshadowed by the brilliance of SRH’s chase.

The Punjab Kings’ bowlers struggled to keep Sharma in check, and the target of 246 quickly seemed within reach as Sharma unleashed his fury on their bowling attack. Despite a few wickets falling along the way, the sheer dominance of Sharma’s innings ensured that SRH never lost their grip on the chase.

SRH’s Tactical Approach in IPL 2025: The Turning Point

The match was a pivotal one for SRH in terms of their tactical approach and execution. After a series of disappointing performances, the win over PBKS was a much-needed boost for the team. Captain Kane Williamson and the coaching staff would now be hoping to build on this momentum for the remainder of the season.

Sharma’s knock also highlighted the need for SRH to support their younger players and provide them with the freedom to express themselves on the field. With talented players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Rahul Tewatia in their ranks, SRH now has the opportunity to mount a serious challenge in IPL 2025.

The positive impact of this victory extends beyond the statistics. It marked the resurgence of SRH’s team spirit, and the belief that the team could overcome any hurdle became evident. This win over PBKS might just be the turning point for SRH in this IPL season.

What’s Next for SRH and PBKS in IPL 2025?

After securing this record chase, SRH will look to carry forward the momentum into their next matches. The performance from Abhishek Sharma is a clear indication of the potential within the team, and with key players finding form, SRH could become one of the dark horses of IPL 2025.

On the other hand, PBKS will need to regroup and refocus. Although they posted a strong total, their inability to defend it will certainly be a concern for the team management. With several important matches ahead, PBKS must ensure that they tighten up their bowling attack and work on improving their fielding standards.

In a historic match for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma’s 141 off 55 balls helped his team break multiple records and set a new benchmark for successful chases in the IPL. Sharma’s exceptional performance not only led to a highly anticipated victory but also brought SRH back into the competition after a rough patch. This thrilling win over Punjab Kings has rekindled hope for the Orange Army and set the stage for an exciting finish to IPL 2025.

As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Abhishek Sharma and his team as they aim to keep their winning momentum alive. Will SRH continue their climb in the rankings, or will they face challenges ahead? Only time will tell, but for now, Sharma’s 141-run innings will be remembered as one of the defining moments of IPL 2025.