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Abhishek Sharma's Blazing Century Powers SRH to 242/2 Against DC in IPL 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma delivered a sensational, controlled century to power his team to a massive 242/2 against Delhi Capitals. He credited teammate Heinrich Klaasen for helping him stay composed and for playing a dangerous innings himself during the death overs. Abhishek also revealed a pre-match plan with coach Daniel Vettori to bat through the entire 20 overs, a feat he accomplished for the first time. The batter acknowledged the quality of the opposition's death bowling but emphasized that a total above 220-230, with a top-order batter anchoring the innings, is their game plan.

Key Points: Abhishek Sharma Century SRH vs DC IPL 2026

  • Abhishek Sharma scores 135 off 68 balls
  • Credits Heinrich Klaasen's support during death overs
  • Reveals batting-through plan with coach Daniel Vettori
  • SRH posts commanding total of 242/2
  • Highlights challenge of Delhi Capitals' death bowling
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'Always special to perform in front of the orange army', says Abhishek Sharma

Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma scores a match-defining 135, crediting Heinrich Klaasen and coach Daniel Vettori for his success.

"I mean of course it's always special to perform in front of the orange army. - Abhishek Sharma"

Hyderabad, April 21

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma credited clarity of role and support from teammates for his match-defining hundred, saying performing in front of the 'Orange Army' made the effort even more special.

Hyderabad rode on a sensational, controlled assault from Abhishek, whose blistering yet calculated century powered them to a commanding 242/2 in 20 overs against Delhi Capitals in the 31st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.

The left-handed southpaw struck 135 off 68 including ten sixes and as many boundaries. Abhishek underlined the significance of delivering at home, while also acknowledging the opposition's execution at the death. "I mean of course it's always special to perform in front of the orange army. The way they bowled in the death overs, I thought they were executing their plans. I think I haven't practiced death batting much. But the way (Heinrich) Klaasen played, it helped us get to that total."

The left-hander revealed that Klaasen played a key role in helping him stay composed when he began forcing the pace. "He just wanted me to maintain the shape. I was trying too hard to find the boundary. That was because I don't play much in the death overs. I just wanted to give him the strike because we know how dangerous he can be in the death overs."

Abhishek shared that batting through all 20 overs was part of a pre-match plan with coach Daniel Vettori (Franky). "It's just I had a plan with Franky and he just wanted me to bat till the 20 overs. I think this is the first time that I have batted for 20 overs. The wicket wasn't too easy. But if you play good cricket, they have the talent in that team. You have to play well to defend it."

"We are still trying to figure it out (laughs). I think above 220-230 is a good total. One of the top three batters will have to bat through and that's our plan every game."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, that was some of the cleanest hitting I've seen in a while. 135 off 68 is no joke. His humility in crediting Klaasen and the coach's plan shows great maturity. Well played!
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Vikram M
Finally, an Indian opener taking responsibility and batting through! For too long we've relied on overseas players to do the heavy lifting. Abhishek's knock is a blueprint for others. Vettori's plan worked perfectly.
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Rohit P
Great performance, no doubt. But respectfully, one innings doesn't make a season. Consistency is key. Let's see if he can do this in away games and under pressure in the playoffs. Hope he proves me wrong!
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Priya S
The way he acknowledged he doesn't practice death batting much was so honest. Shows there's room for growth even after a century. More power to him! The Uppal stadium was rocking yesterday 💥
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Karthik V
As a Hyderabadi, this feels special. After Warner, we were searching for a local hero. Abhishek Sharma is filling those big shoes. The sixes over extra cover were a treat! Can't wait for the next home game.

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