Abhishek Sharma Smashes a Scintillating Century in Just 40 Deliveries

Abhishek Sharma lit up the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday night with a record-breaking knock that will be remembered for years to come. The 24-year-old left-hander from Punjab smashed a stunning 141 off just 55 balls in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s run chase against Punjab Kings.

Walking out to open the innings, Abhishek wasted no time in taking charge. He was in imperious form, cracking 14 boundaries and launching 10 sixes into the stands. His whirlwind knock powered a massive 171-run opening stand with Travis Head, who played a fine supporting role with 66 off 37 balls. In doing so, Abhishek surpassed KL Rahul’s record of 132*, which he had set back in IPL 2020 against RCB in Dubai. It was a monumental moment — not just for Abhishek personally, but for Indian cricket fans who witnessed a new star rise to the occasion on the big stage. 

Abhishek’s 141 wasn’t just a record for Indian batters. It also became the highest score ever recorded in a successful run chase in IPL history, going past Marcus Stoinis’ 124-run knock last season for Lucknow Super Giants against Chennai Super Kings. And there’s more. This knock is now the second-fastest century by a Sunrisers Hyderabad player, reaching the milestone in just 40 balls. It also helped SRH complete the second-biggest successful chase in IPL history. 

For context, Chris Gayle still holds the overall record for the highest individual score in the league — his iconic 175* for RCB in 2013. Brendon McCullum’s 158* in the very first IPL game and Quinton de Kock’s 140 in 2022 also remain legendary knocks. But Abhishek has now joined that elite list. It was a night where everything came together for Abhishek — timing, power, confidence — and he walked off the field with a historic milestone and a well-deserved standing ovation. 

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