Abhishek Sharma produced one of the standout innings of IPL 2026, but South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs remained closely involved as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Capitals by 47 runs on Tuesday.
Abhishek struck an unbeaten 135 from 68 balls, hitting 10 fours and 10 sixes to take Hyderabad to 242-2 after being sent in. It was his second IPL century and the highest score of the season, built on a strong start and sustained acceleration through the middle overs.
Nervous nineties simply do not exist for this man 😬
🎥 An unforgettable way for Abhishek Sharma to bring up his HUNDRED! 🌟
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/VgUjXDlrDh#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #SRHvDC | @SunRisers | @OfficialAbhi04 pic.twitter.com/FdMlwmXt1l
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2026
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He shared a 97-run opening stand with Travis Head before Klaasen added late impetus with 37* from 13 balls. Klaasen’s innings ensured Hyderabad pushed beyond 240, a total that proved out of reach.
Consistent Klaasen strikes again 👊
🎥 A fantastic late blitz from the @SunRisers batter 💪
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/VgUjXDlrDh#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #SRHvDC | @Heini22 pic.twitter.com/KNJLhJWj4d
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2026
Delhi’s response featured key contributions from South African players, but they were unable to match the required rate. David Miller fell for a golden duck, while Stubbs made 27 in a 59-run partnership with Sameer Rizvi after arriving at the crease under pressure.
KL Rahul and Nitish Rana had earlier added 86 for the second wicket to keep Delhi in the contest, but the game shifted quickly once both departed. Sri Lanka’s Eshan Malinga removed Rana and Miller in successive deliveries, and although Stubbs avoided the hat-trick, Delhi lost momentum soon after.
Flamboyance on show 👏
🎥 Glimpses of Sameer Rizvi’s fighting knock of 41(28) 👌
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— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2026
Stubbs’ dismissal signalled the end of any realistic chase, with Delhi closing on 195-9.
Abhishek’s innings defined the match. Dropped on 86, he capitalised immediately, clearing the boundary twice in the next over to reach his century and extend Hyderabad’s control. He now leads the run charts this season, with Klaasen close behind, underlining the role both players have played in Sunrisers’ campaign.
The result lifted Hyderabad to third on the table with a third straight win, while Delhi remain mid-table after an inconsistent run.
Abhishek set the platform, but Klaasen’s finish ensured it was converted into a total that held firm.
– AFP
Photo: BCCI
