Abhishek Sharma delivered a batting masterclass at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium as Sunrisers Hyderabad overpowered Delhi Capitals by 47 runs in Match 31 of IPL 2026 on April 21.
Abhishek’s monumental unbeaten 135, the highest individual score of the season, propelled SRH to a daunting 242. Despite a spirited middle-order charge from Nitish Rana, Eshan Malinga’s four-wicket haul and Harsh Dubey’s clinical spell ensured Delhi fell well short of the target.
Match Summary: SRH vs DC, IPL 2026 Match 31
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| SRH Score | 242/2 (20 overs) |
| DC Score | 195/9 (20 overs) |
| Match Result | SRH won by 47 runs |
| Best Batting (SRH) | Abhishek Sharma – 135* off 68 balls |
| Best Bowling (SRH) | Eshan Malinga – 4/32 in 4 overs |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Stadium, Hyderabad |
SRH Innings: 242/2 in 20 Overs
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s innings was defined by total dominance from Abhishek Sharma, who carried his bat for a sensational 135 off 68 balls*. Alongside Travis Head (37), Abhishek laid a ferocious platform with a 97-run opening stand. He reached his century in just 47 balls, dismantling every DC bowler that crossed his path.
The onslaught didn’t stop with Head’s departure; Heinrich Klaasen provided a lethal finishing touch, smashing 37 off just 13 balls* (SR 284.61). The SRH batting unit showcased incredible efficiency, losing only two wickets while maintaining a run rate of 12.10 to post a mammoth total of 242.
SRH Innings At A Glance
| Details | SRH Innings |
|---|---|
| Total | 242/2 in 20 overs |
| Powerplay | 67/0 (0–6 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Abhishek Sharma – 135* off 68 balls |
| Best Partnership | Sharma & Head – 97 runs |
| Best Bowling (DC) | Axar Patel – 1/23 (2 overs) |
DC Chase: 195/9 in 20 Overs
Chasing 243, Delhi Capitals required a miracle. After losing Nissanka early, Nitish Rana ignited hope with a blistering 57 off 30 balls, well-supported by KL Rahul (37). At 107/1, DC looked like they might make a game of it, but Eshan Malinga produced a game-changing triple-strike in the 10th and 11th overs, dismissing Rana, Rahul, and David Miller in quick succession.
The chase lost its momentum despite a valiant 41 from Sameer Rizvi and a cameo by Tristan Stubbs (27). Harsh Dubey was exceptional in the middle overs, finishing with 3/12, while Malinga cleaned up the tail to finish with 4/32. DC eventually finished on 195/9, a competitive score that was simply not enough against SRH’s historic total.
DC Chase At A Glance
| Details | DC Chase |
|---|---|
| Target | 243 runs |
| Total | 195/9 in 20 overs |
| Powerplay | 59/1 (0–6 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Nitish Rana – 57 off 30 balls |
| Best Bowling (SRH) | Eshan Malinga – 4/32 (4 overs) |
Key Highlights
- Abhishek’s Season High: Abhishek Sharma’s 135* is not just a personal best but a statement of intent, featuring 7 fours and 10 massive sixes.
- Malinga’s Triple-Blow: Eshan Malinga’s ability to take three wickets for zero runs in the space of four balls effectively ended DC’s hopes of a miracle chase.
- Dubey’s Control: In a high-scoring game where most went for over 10 an over, Harsh Dubey’s economy of 6.00 was a vital stabilizing force for Hyderabad.
Player of the Match
Abhishek Sharma (SRH): A clear choice for his record-breaking 135 off 68 balls. His ability to anchor the innings while scoring at a strike rate of nearly 200 made the result inevitable before the second innings even began.
