IPL 2026 · Match 31 · April 21, 2026 · Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
By IPL Daily Desk · April 21, 2026
Quick Answer: Abhishek Sharma scored an unbeaten 135 off 68 balls against Delhi Capitals in Match 31 of IPL 2026 on April 21 at Hyderabad, smashing 10 sixes and 10 fours at a strike rate of 198.52. He reached his century in 47 balls — the second time in IPL history he has scored a hundred in under 50 deliveries — equalling Virat Kohli’s record of 9 T20 centuries by an Indian. SRH posted 242/2 and won by 47 runs, with DC folding for 196/9.
Abhishek Sharma Century IPL 2026 – Match Summary (SRH vs DC)
Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad turned into Abhishek Sharma’s personal highlight reel on Tuesday night. On a flat, batter-friendly pitch under lights, the Sunrisers Hyderabad opener dismantled the Delhi Capitals bowling attack so completely that the result was never in any real doubt from the moment he deposited Nitish Rana’s fourth-over off-break into the second tier of the stands.
The Abhishek Sharma IPL 2026 century was his most complete knock yet — not just explosive but calculated. He picked his moments, adjusted his backlift to each bowler, and systematically targeted Rana’s part-time off-spin (0/55 in 4 overs), Lungi Ngidi’s slower ones (0/41 in 4 overs), and T. Natarajan’s yorker-heavy final spell. With Travis Head contributing a brisk 37 off 26, Ishan Kishan adding 25 off 13, and Heinrich Klaasen detonating for 37* off just 13 deliveries, SRH posted an intimidating 242/2 in 20 overs.
Delhi Capitals’ reply never got off the ground. Nitish Rana (57 off 30) and Sameer Rizvi (41 off 28) gave brief glimpses of hope, but once Eshan Malinga’s four-wicket haul ripped through the middle order, it was over. DC were bowled out for 196/9, losing by 47 runs — SRH’s third consecutive victory of IPL 2026.
In one of the greatest IPL innings ever, Abhishek Sharma smashed 135* for SRH against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, equalling Virat Kohli‘s major T20 record.
🔥 LIVE UPDATE: Abhishek Sharma becomes Orange Cap holder after this innings.
Abhishek Sharma’s Innings at a Glance: Key Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 135* (Not Out) |
| Balls Faced | 68 |
| Strike Rate | 198.52 |
| Sixes | 10 |
| Fours | 10 |
| Balls to Reach Century | 47 balls |
| Runs from Boundaries | 100 (40 from fours + 60 from sixes) |
| Runs from Singles & Twos | 35 |
| Opening Stand (with Travis Head) | 97 runs |
| 2nd Wicket Partnership (with Ishan Kishan) | 79 runs off 5.5 overs |
Every Record Broken by Abhishek Sharma vs Delhi Capitals
1. Equals Virat Kohli — 9th T20 Century for an Indian
This was Abhishek’s 9th T20 hundred, taking him level with Virat Kohli for the most centuries in T20 cricket by an Indian batter. Only three players globally — Chris Gayle, Babar Azam, and David Warner — have more T20 centuries than Abhishek now. At just 25 years of age, that company is extraordinary.
2. First Indian to Score Multiple Sub-50 Ball IPL Hundreds
His previous IPL century came off just 40 balls against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. This 47-ball ton makes him the only Indian in IPL history to score multiple centuries in under 50 balls. Eight of his nine T20 hundreds have come in 50 balls or fewer; the sole exception was his very first, off 59 balls against Services in 2021.
3. Second Entry in IPL’s All-Time Top-5 Individual Scores
His 135* now sits in the all-time top-5 highest individual scores in the IPL, making him the only player to appear twice on that elite list. His 141 from IPL 2025 remains the highest score ever by an Indian in the tournament.
- 175* — Chris Gayle (RCB vs PWI, 2013)
- 158* — Brendon McCullum (KKR vs RCB, 2008)
- 141 — Abhishek Sharma (SRH vs PBKS, 2025)
- 140* — Quinton de Kock (LSG vs SRH, 2022)
- 135* — Abhishek Sharma (SRH vs DC, 2026) ← TODAY
4. Equalled SRH Franchise Record: 10 Sixes in an IPL Innings
Abhishek equalled his own SRH franchise record of 10 sixes in a single IPL innings — a mark he first set during his 141 in IPL 2025. No SRH batter has ever hit more maximums in one IPL knock.
5. First Batter to 300 Runs in IPL 2026 — Claims Orange Cap
The 135* pushed Abhishek past 300 runs for the season, making him the first player to reach that milestone in IPL 2026 and handing him the Orange Cap, overtaking his SRH teammate Heinrich Klaasen.
6. Most 130+ Scores in T20 Cricket
With two scores of 130+ in T20 cricket (141 and 135*), Abhishek now leads the world for the most innings of 130-plus in the format — a record that puts him in a category entirely his own among active T20 batters.
Full Records Summary
| Record | Previous Holder | Abhishek’s Mark | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most T20 centuries by an Indian | Virat Kohli (9) | 9 | Equalled |
| Multiple sub-50 ball IPL hundreds (Indian) | None | 2 (off 40 & 47 balls) | New Record |
| Appearances in IPL all-time top-5 scores | All others: 1 entry | 2 entries (141 & 135*) | Unique Achievement |
| SRH record: Most sixes in one IPL innings | Abhishek Sharma (10) | 10 | Equalled Own Record |
| First to 300 runs in IPL 2026 | N/A | 300+ runs | Seasonal Milestone |
| Most 130+ scores in T20 cricket | Various players (1 each) | 2 scores | New Record |
Ball-by-Ball Momentum: How Abhishek Built His Masterpiece
Overs 1–4 (Powerplay)
DC open with pace and Abhishek starts watchfully but quickly asserts himself with two boundaries off Lungi Ngidi — a pull and a clip over mid-wicket. Travis Head provides excellent support with crisp drives through the off side. SRH are roughly 62/0 at the powerplay, with Abhishek near 35 off 20 balls.
Overs 5–7 (The Nitish Rana Massacre)
DC introduce part-timer Nitish Rana with the intention of slowing the run rate against three left-handed batters. It spectacularly backfires. Abhishek launches back-to-back sixes over long-on and deposits one into the upper tier. Rana concedes 55 runs in 4 overs at 13.75 economy — a complete bowling catastrophe.
Overs 8–13 (Mid-Innings Acceleration)
Travis Head falls for 37 but the carnage never stops. Ishan Kishan walks in and immediately attacks. Abhishek crosses 50 as the pair add 79 runs for the second wicket in under six overs. Kuldeep Yadav is dispatched over long-on; Abhishek sweeps him against the turn for another six. The stage is set for something historic.
Over 14.2 — The Century Moment (47 Balls)
A full delivery from Nitish Rana. The backlift is wide, the swing massive, and the ball disappears over long-on. CENTURY OFF 47 BALLS. Abhishek raises both arms, points skyward, and the orange wave inside Rajiv Gandhi Stadium erupts. He equals Virat Kohli. He becomes the first Indian to do this twice in the IPL. SRH are 172/2 and the match is over as a contest.
Overs 17–20 (Death: Klaasen Joins the Party)
Natarajan bowls disciplined yorkers but Abhishek and Klaasen find the reverse ramp over third man with extraordinary ease. Klaasen’s 37* off 13 balls provides a brutal final flourish. Abhishek bats through all 20 overs for the first time in his IPL career, finishing unbeaten on 135. Final total: 242/2.
The Turning Point: Delhi’s Fatal Tactical Error
The single moment that broke the game open was DC’s decision to give Nitish Rana — a mediocre part-time off-spinner — four overs against a set Abhishek Sharma and three left-handed SRH batters. DC Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao and head coach Hemang Badani have faced tactical criticism throughout the tournament, and this choice exemplified their struggles. Rana conceded 55 runs at 13.75 economy. Once a batter of Abhishek’s calibre gets his eye in on a flat Hyderabad track, bowling part-time spin at him is not a strategy — it is a surrender.
Team Performance: SRH vs DC Full Scorecard Breakdown
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 242/2 in 20 Overs
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma (not out) | 135 | 68 | 10 | 10 | 198.52 |
| Travis Head | 37 | 26 | 4 | 2 | 142.30 |
| Ishan Kishan (c) | 25 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 192.30 |
| Heinrich Klaasen (not out) | 37 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 284.61 |
| Total | 242/2 in 20 overs | ||||
Delhi Capitals: 196/9 in 20 Overs
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitish Rana | 57 | 30 | 7 | 3 |
| Sameer Rizvi | 41 | 28 | 4 | 2 |
| KL Rahul | ~25 | ~18 | 2 | 1 |
| David Miller | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 196/9 in 20 overs | |||
SRH Bowling Highlights
- Eshan Malinga: 4 wickets — the decisive bowling performance, including two wickets in two balls to kill DC’s chase in the middle overs
- Harsh Dubey: 2 wickets — continued his excellent IPL 2026 form
- Nitish Kumar Reddy, Sakib Hussain, Shivang Kumar — shared the remaining wickets in a collective, disciplined bowling effort
Historical Context: Abhishek Sharma’s Record vs Delhi Capitals
This innings was not a one-off. Abhishek has repeatedly produced his most explosive knocks on the flat, true surfaces at Hyderabad, and DC’s reliance on spin — historically his favourite target — has made them his most profitable opposition in recent seasons. His aggression against part-time bowlers and his ability to shift from measured start to full demolition within three or four overs is unique in the modern IPL.
Impact on the IPL 2026 Points Table
With this third consecutive victory, SRH moved level with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals on the points table, tied at second position — though both rivals held a game in hand. The win positions SRH strongly as the season approaches its crunch phase.
Orange Cap update: Abhishek Sharma now leads the IPL 2026 run-scorers with 300+ runs, owning the Orange Cap outright ahead of Heinrich Klaasen. [→ Full IPL 2026 Points Table & Standings]
Expert Analysis: What Makes This Innings Different
“Abhishek played within himself. The pitch played better than they anticipated. Even then, he still hit a hundred in 47 balls. He batted through 20 overs for the first time in his IPL career. That combination of restraint and explosive power — that is a different kind of cricketer.”
— Dan Vettori, SRH Head Coach (via ESPNCricinfo)
The technical masterclass lay in how Abhishek managed the downswing of his bat depending on each bowler. Against Ngidi’s inswing and slower balls, he played late and in front of his body. Against Rana’s off-breaks, he used the pace on the ball to clear long-on. Against Natarajan’s death-over yorkers, the reverse ramp over third man appeared as naturally as a straight drive. This 360-degree repertoire — at a strike rate above 198 — signals a batter who has moved well beyond his raw, power-first early career phase into genuinely elite T20 craftsmanship.
Comparisons with Virat Kohli’s T20 century record are now unavoidable. Kohli built his 9 T20 hundreds over a career spanning 15-plus years. Abhishek has reached the same number at 25.
Future Impact: What This Innings Means for Abhishek & SRH
- India T20I selection: With the T20I opener’s role increasingly available at the top, Abhishek’s consistent production makes an overwhelming case for a permanent high-leverage slot in the national team.
- SRH’s title prospects: A fit, in-form Abhishek combined with Klaasen’s power and the bowling depth of Malinga and Dubey makes SRH genuinely dangerous as the tournament enters its business end.
- The Virat Kohli record: Abhishek needs just one more T20 hundred to become the outright Indian record holder. Given his current form, that is a matter of when, not if.
- Fantasy cricket impact: Abhishek is the runaway top captaincy pick on Dream11 and My11Circle for all SRH home fixtures. His ceiling on flat Hyderabad tracks makes him the go-to mega-captain option. [→ IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Tips & Captain Picks]
Related Articles
- IPL 2026 Orange Cap – Full List & Updates
- IPL 2026 Points Table – Latest Standings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many runs did Abhishek Sharma score vs Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026?
Abhishek Sharma scored 135 not out off 68 balls against Delhi Capitals in Match 31 of IPL 2026 at Hyderabad on April 21, 2026. He hit 10 sixes and 10 fours at a strike rate of 198.52.
What records did Abhishek Sharma break vs DC in IPL 2026?
He equalled Virat Kohli’s record of 9 T20 centuries by an Indian, became the first Indian to score multiple sub-50 ball IPL hundreds, equalled the SRH record of 10 sixes in an innings, and appeared twice in the IPL’s all-time top-5 highest individual scores — the only player ever to do so.
How many balls did Abhishek Sharma take to complete his century vs DC?
Abhishek reached his century in just 47 balls. This is his second IPL hundred in under 50 balls, following his 40-ball ton against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. He is the only Indian in IPL history to achieve this more than once.
What was the final result of SRH vs DC IPL 2026 Match 31?
Sunrisers Hyderabad won by 47 runs. SRH posted 242/2 in 20 overs. Delhi Capitals were bowled out for 196/9. Eshan Malinga took 4 wickets. It was SRH’s third consecutive win of IPL 2026.
Is Abhishek Sharma the IPL 2026 Orange Cap holder?
Yes. After his 135*, Abhishek Sharma became the first batter to cross 300 runs in IPL 2026 and claimed the Orange Cap, overtaking SRH teammate Heinrich Klaasen at the top of the run-scorers chart.
How does Abhishek Sharma’s 135* rank among the highest IPL scores ever?
The 135* places Abhishek inside the top-5 individual scores in IPL history. His 141 from IPL 2025 is also on that list, making him the only player to appear twice in the IPL’s all-time highest scores. His 141 remains the highest score ever by an Indian in the IPL.
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