A high-stakes encounter Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 turned into a one-man show Sunrisers Hyderabadexplosive switch Abhishek Sharma He delivered a breathtaking century against Delhi Capitals. With both teams fighting for a crucial playoff position – SRH in fourth and DC in fifth – the clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium loomed large. However, it was Abhishek’s brilliance that took center stage and left his fans completely mesmerized.
Abhishek Sharma’s fiery tattoo sets the tone
After Delhi Capitals won the toss and dominated the field, the decision quickly backfired as Abhishek unleashed a batting master class. From the start, the left-hander looked in superb touch, taking on the bowlers with fearless intent and remarkable control.
Using his trademark high back lift and lightning quick reflexes, Abhishek pierced the gaps with ease while clearing the strings at will. His dominance during the powerplay was particularly striking as Sunrisers Hyderabad raced to 80 runs in the first six overs – an early indication of the carnage that followed.
Delhi bowlers tried many plans including pace changes and pitch changes but nothing worked. Abhishek’s quick adaptability and continued aggressive approach kept the opposition searching for answers throughout his innings.
In style of the century: A moment to remember
The defining moment of the match came in the 15th period. With the crowd on their feet, Abhishek soared for 6 over long-on to bring up his century in just 47 deliveries. The celebration that followed reflected both relief and dominance as the young opener soaked in the cheers from the Hyderabad crowd.
What made the knock even more special was his edgy 90s approach. Unlike many batsmen who slowed down near the milestones, Abhishek continued to attack, embodying the fearless ‘SRH brand of cricket’. Reaching the triple digit mark with six perfectly summed up his intent and confidence.
It was his second IPL century and first of the 2026 season and further cemented his reputation as one of the most devastating T20 batsmen in the league.
Adapting to the giant: Virat Kohli’s elite record
Apart from the impact of the match, Abhishek’s knock carried historical significance. In this century, he equaled his record of 9 T20 hundreds Virat Kohli centuries by an Indian in men’s T20 cricket.
While Kohli’s centuries are often defined by composure and calculated acceleration, Abhishek’s approach reflects the modern T20 evolution – fearless, aggressive and power-driven. Matching a legend like Kohli at this stage of his career highlights Abhishek’s growing stature in the game.
Here’s the fan reaction
FACE BY ABHISHEK SHARMA. 😍🔥
– As much as Abhi has been beaten, he is well and truly back. An absolute gun player, in front of his parents, he surrendered. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/h4aqOOPCtq
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 21, 2026
Abhishek Sharma was bowled out for just 135 (68). SRH got 242 for 2. And Abhishek said that it is not that easy to score in the field😅😅🫣
– Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 21, 2026
Abhishek Sharma brings up a massive century 🙌💪#AbhishekSharma #SRHvsDC #IPL2026 #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/uPtDfNxZW0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 21, 2026
What a brilliant knock by Abhishek Sharma – a bit ‘slow’ by his standards, but almost 6 overs, Sunrisers Hyderabad need to target 260 and shut the gates on Delhi.#SRHvsDC
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) April 21, 2026
🚨 HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL SCORES BY INDIAN BATTERS IN IPL 🚨
Abhishek Sharma – 141(55) vs PBKS
Abhishek Sharma – 135*(68) vs DC pic.twitter.com/UKxFr8fjy9
– Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 21, 2026
Powerplay carnage
Abhishek Sharma went crazy in the fifth over.
vs. Matt Short: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6
Nitish vs Rana: 6, 6, 1Teams keep falling into the same trap. The IPL surfaces suit his fearless style and once he gets going, there’s no stopping him.#SRHvsDC pic.twitter.com/VRyBmx5yfZ
— MK Sharma ✍️ (@EmediaManoj) April 21, 2026
Abhishek Sharma
Only player in IPL history to score two 130+ scores
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) April 21, 2026
SRH POST 242/2 AGAINST DC 🥶
135(68) – Abhishek Sharma
37(26) – Travis Head
25(13) – Ishan Kishi
37(13) – Heinrich Klaasen– What an innings from Abhishek Sharma 🫡pic.twitter.com/Y6wDZPeeTi
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) April 21, 2026
Harsha Bhogle on Live TV🎙;
This is the form we want to see from ‘Abhishek Sharma’. It’s like we found another young Rohit Sharma in him🙌🔥
— Gillfied⁷ (@Gill_Iss) April 21, 2026
– 48(21) Vs KKR.
– 74(28) Vs PBKS.
– 59(22) Vs CSK.
– 135*(68) Vs DC.ABHISHEK SHARMA HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL FOR SRH – HE HAS THE ORANGE CAP. 👏🌟 pic.twitter.com/klhDd6NdNU
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 21, 2026
Also READ: IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan reveals tactics to neutralize Delhi Capitals opener ahead of SRH
