IPL 2025 Thriller: Abhishek Sharma’s 141-Run Blitz Powers SRH to Record Chase Against PBKS
In a night that will be etched in the annals of IPL history, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered an electrifying performance at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, orchestrating one of the most memorable run chases ever witnessed in the tournament. Chasing a mammoth 246 set by Punjab Kings (PBKS), SRH romped home with 8 wickets in hand and 9 balls to spare, marking the second-highest successful chase in IPL records.
The architect of this carnage was none other than Abhishek Sharma, who unleashed an unbeaten 141 runs off just 55 deliveries. His innings, studded with 14 fours and 10 towering sixes, came at a staggering strike rate of 256.36. Abhishek’s audacious strokes and impeccable timing left the PBKS bowlers shell-shocked and sent the Hyderabad crowd into a frenzy. Each boundary was a dagger to the opposition, as the young left-hander toyed with seasoned bowlers, turning a daunting target into a walk in the park.
Complementing Abhishek’s heroics was opening partner Travis Head, who set the tone with a blazing 66 off 37 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. Their 171-run opening stand in just 12.2 overs was a masterclass in aggressive batting, ensuring the required run rate never spiraled out of control. Head’s fearless approach, combined with Abhishek’s relentless assault, broke the backbone of the PBKS bowling attack early on.
Later, Heinrich Klaasen applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 21 off 14 balls, guiding SRH to a historic victory. This performance wasn’t just a win; it was a statement of intent from a team hungry to dominate IPL 2025.
Earlier in the evening, Punjab Kings had set the stage for a high-octane clash with a formidable total of 245/6 in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by a scintillating 82 off 36 balls from skipper Shreyas Iyer, who anchored the innings with precision and flair. Youngster Priyansh Arya impressed with a fiery 36 off 13, while opener Prabhsimran Singh contributed 42 off 23. Late fireworks from Marcus Stoinis (34* off 11) and a steady Nehal Wadhera (27 off 22) ensured PBKS posted a challenging score, one that seemed insurmountable at the halfway mark.
However, SRH’s bowlers struggled to contain the PBKS onslaught, with Harshal Patel managing 4 wickets but conceding 42 runs in the process. Young pacer Eshan Malinga also chipped in with 2 wickets, including a peach of a yorker to dismiss Prabhsimran, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide of runs. The bowling unit will look to tighten up in future games, especially against such aggressive batting line-ups.
Yet, the night undeniably belonged to Abhishek Sharma. His record-breaking knock not only shattered PBKS’ hopes but also served as a reminder of the explosive talent brewing in Indian cricket. With this win, SRH has sent a clear message to their rivals: they are here to chase down anything, no matter how daunting. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Abhishek and SRH to see if they can replicate such magic again.