In the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday, Sunrisers Hyderabad reached 242 for 2 and defeated Delhi Capitals by 47 runs in the 31st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, thanks to opener Abhishek Sharma, an outstanding, undefeated 135 off 68 balls.

The left-hand batter’s innings were a lesson in how to manage aggression. Before unleashing a deadly assault, he timed his innings well, scoring his ninth T20 century in 47 balls and his fifty in only 25 deliveries. He demonstrated his dominance this year by passing Heinrich Klaasen in the Orange Cap competition by the 15-over mark.

The SRH innings began steadily, but soon picked up pace. With Nitish Rana’s offspin during the Power-play, Delhi momentarily recovered some control, limiting SRH to 15 runs for no loss after two overs.

But after the hitters discovered their rhythm, the plan failed. Rana was destroyed in a 20-run over that featured three sixes, bringing the score to 56 without a loss, after SRH had scored 36 for no loss in four overs.

Abhishek led the way, scoring 21 off 12 and leading the attack alongside Travis Head. In the Power-play, the two formed another seamless alliance, bringing SRH to 67 without any casualties. The team’s 70th six of the year, which broke Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s total of 69, came on the last ball of this period.

Beginning cautiously, Head increased his pace to 37 off 26 before retiring at 97 for 1 in 8. 5 overs. After smashing two sixes in the over, he mishit a long hop from Axar Patel to deep midwicket. Nevertheless, this breakthrough failed to halt SRH.

Klaasen was brought to the crease at a crucial point when Ishan Kishan was soon run out at the non-striker’s end after scoring a lightning-fast 25 off 13 balls. With a strong 37 off only 13 deliveries, the South African helped SRH cruise past the 240-run barrier at the conclusion of the innings.

As Abhishek and Kishan attacked ferociously, Kuldeep Yadav had difficulty in the middle overs as SRH sped to 126 for 1 in 11 overs. Despite the ideal circumstances for reverse swing on a dry surface, Delhi’s seamers, including Mukesh Kumar, were unable to generate any movement, giving SRH the upper hand.

Despite Delhi’s valiant pursuit, the goal was enormous. They put up a good fight and showed signs of defiance, but early errors in the field, such as dropped catches, a missed run-out, and bad bowling substitutions, proved to be expensive.

DC struggled to seize control of the game because Rana allowed 55 runs in his four overs, while Axar and Kuldeep, the spinners, only bowled two overs each. Nitish Rana, who was included in the playing XI for this game, led the way with 57 runs, followed by Sameer Rizvi with 41, but ultimately it was not enough.

Delhi is left lamenting missed opportunities as SRH, boosted by Abhishek’s amazing century, rejoiced their third consecutive victory, moving up to third in the standings and passing the Rajasthan Royals.

Brief scores:
Sunrisers Hyderabad 242/2 in 20 overs (Abhishel Sharma 135, Travis Head 37; Axar Patel 1-23)
Delhi Capitals 195/9 in 20 overs (Nitish Rana 57, Sameer Rizvi 41; Eshan Malinga 4-32, Harsh Dubey 3-12)