Witness Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking 141 as SRH successfully chases down a mammoth target. Discover the highlights and key moments of this thrilling match.
Introduction:
In one of the most electrifying matches of IPL 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in Match 27 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, on April 12. The game featured breathtaking batting performances, including a record-breaking knock by Abhishek Sharma, and marked the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history. SRH’s emphatic victory revived their campaign after a string of losses, while PBKS missed an opportunity to climb higher on the points table.
Punjab Kings Post Mammoth Total
Opting to bat first on a flat Hyderabad pitch, Punjab Kings set the stage for a high-scoring thriller. Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a scintillating 82 off just 36 balls, laced with six fours and six sixes. His aggressive stroke play ensured PBKS dominated the powerplay and kept the scoreboard ticking throughout.
The innings reached its crescendo in the final over when Marcus Stoinis smashed Mohammed Shami for four consecutive sixes. Stoinis’ cameo of 34 runs off just 11 balls propelled PBKS to an imposing total of 245/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Other notable contributions came from Glenn Maxwell (42 off 25) and Prabhsimran Singh (28 off 16), who provided crucial support during key phases.
Despite the daunting total, SRH’s bowlers struggled to contain PBKS’ batters, with Shami (1/51) and Pat Cummins (2/43) proving expensive. The target of 246 appeared insurmountable, but SRH’s opening duo had other plans.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Knock
Sunrisers Hyderabad began their chase with unmatched aggression. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head formed a formidable opening partnership that dismantled PBKS’ bowling attack right from the start. The duo brought up a fifty-run stand within just three overs, setting the tone for what would become one of the most memorable chases in IPL history.
Abhishek Sharma was unstoppable as he smashed an incredible 141 off just 55 balls, studded with 14 boundaries and ten towering sixes. His innings broke multiple records, including becoming the Indian player with the highest individual score in IPL history. He surpassed KL Rahul’s previous record of 132 not out and registered the highest score by a player in a run chase. See also: Virat Kohli Brings Up T20 Milestone
Travis Head complemented Abhishek perfectly with a blazing knock of 66 off 37 balls. Their partnership of 171 runs for the first wicket ensured SRH stayed well ahead of the required run rate throughout the chase.
PBKS bowlers had no answers to Abhishek’s onslaught. Even Yash Thakur’s dismissal attempt turned futile due to a no-ball error that allowed Abhishek to continue his carnage. By the time Head departed in the 13th over, SRH had already laid a solid foundation for victory. See also: Nicholas Pooran Powers LSG to Thrilling 6 Wkt Win
Finishing Touches: Heinrich Klaasen Seals It
After Travis Head’s departure, Heinrich Klaasen walked in to finish what was already a monumental effort by SRH’s openers. Klaasen played sensibly yet aggressively, striking timely boundaries to ensure there were no hiccups in closing out the chase.
Klaasen hit the winning runs in style as SRH reached their target of 246 with nine balls to spare, securing an eight-wicket victory. This marked only the second time in IPL history that such a high target had been successfully chased.
Key Performances
Abhishek Sharma: His record-breaking knock of 141 off 55 balls was undoubtedly one of the greatest innings ever played in IPL history.
Travis Head: The Australian all-rounder provided critical support with his fiery half-century that set up SRH’s chase.
Shreyas Iyer: Despite being on the losing side, Iyer’s captaincy knock ensured PBKS posted a mammoth total.
Marcus Stoinis: His explosive finish gave PBKS hope but ultimately fell short against SRH’s batting masterclass.
Turning Points
Abhishek Sharma’s No-Ball Escape: Yash Thakur’s overstep allowed Abhishek Sharma to continue his innings after being caught at deep point—a moment that proved pivotal.
Opening Partnership: The ‘Travishek’ duo’s blistering start effectively killed any hopes PBKS had of defending their total.
Stoinis’ Final Over Blitz: While it boosted PBKS’ total significantly, it wasn’t enough to deter SRH’s fearless approach during their chase.
Records Broken
Highest Individual Score by an Indian Player: Abhishek Sharma surpassed KL Rahul’s previous record with his knock of 141.
Second-Highest Run Chase in IPL History: SRH successfully chased down 246, only behind PBKS’ record chase of 262 against KKR last year.
Highest Score by a Player in a Run Chase: Abhishek overtook Marcus Stoinis’ previous best of 124 runs during an IPL chase.
Post-Match Reactions
Abhishek Sharma reflected on his historic innings: “It was one of those days where everything clicked perfectly for me. Travis supported me brilliantly at the other end, and we knew we could pull this off.â€
Shreyas Iyer expressed disappointment but praised his team’s effort: “We batted exceptionally well but couldn’t defend it against some outstanding batting from Abhishek and Travis.â€
What Lies Ahead?
With this win, Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed two places to eighth on the points table with two wins from six matches. They will look to build momentum as they face Rajasthan Royals next week.
Punjab Kings slipped to sixth place after this loss but remain well-positioned for playoff contention with three wins from five matches. Their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders will be crucial as they aim to bounce back from this defeat.
