SRH vs PBKS Highlights: In a jaw-dropping display of power-hitting, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) etched their name into Indian Premier League (IPL) history by chasing down a mammoth target of 246 runs with eight wickets and nine balls to spare against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 12, 2025. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad bore witness to one of the most electrifying T20 performances ever, spearheaded by 24-year-old Abhishek Sharma’s blistering century, which redefined aggression and precision in the shortest format.
Match Overview: A Record-Breaking Night
Punjab Kings, opting to bat first, posted a daunting 245/6 in 20 overs, fueled by skipper Shreyas Iyer’s explosive 82 off 36 balls and Marcus Stoinis’ late cameo of 34* (11). However, SRH’s response was nothing short of sensational. Openers Abhishek Sharma (141 off 55) and Travis Head (66 off 37) unleashed a 171-run partnership in just 12.2 overs, the second-highest opening stand in IPL history. Heinrich Klaasen (21* off 14) and Ishan Kishan (9* off 6) then sealed the deal with clinical finishing, as SRH romped home at 247/2 in 18.3 overs.
PBKS Innings: Iyer and Stoinis Light Up Hyderabad
PBKS’s innings was a rollercoaster. After losing openers Priyansh Arya (36 off 13) and Prabhsimran Singh (42 off 23) early, Shreyas Iyer took charge, smashing six sixes and four boundaries. His 73-run partnership with Nehal Wadhera (27 off 22) stabilized the innings before Marcus Stoinis’ brutal assault in the death overs. Stoinis hammered 27 runs off Mohammad Shami’s final over, including four consecutive sixes, propelling PBKS to their highest total against SRH.
SRH’s bowling struggled, with Harshal Patel (4/42) being the lone standout. Shami’s nightmare spell of 0/75 in four overs highlighted the challenges of containing batters on a flat Hyderabad track.
SRH’s Chase: Abhishek Sharma’s Masterclass
The chase began with fireworks as Abhishek Sharma tore into PBKS’s attack, registering the fastest century by an SRH batter (40 balls) and the fifth-quickest in IPL history. His 141 included 14 fours and 10 sixes, eclipsing David Warner’s previous SRH record of 131. Travis Head played the perfect foil, scoring a 31-ball 66 with nine boundaries and three sixes.
Key Moments:
- Powerplay Onslaught: SRH raced to 147/0 in 10.2 overs, the highest score at the 10-over mark in IPL 2025.
- Dropped Chances: PBKS missed two critical catches—Abhishek was dropped on 28 (a no-ball by Yash Thakur) and 94—which proved costly.
- Century Celebration: Abhishek celebrated his ton by unveiling a note reading, “This one’s for the Orange Army,” igniting the home crowd.
- Klaasen’s Finish: The South African smashed Shashank Singh for a six and a four in the 18th over, reducing the equation to a mere six runs required.
Post-Match Reactions
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS Captain):
“We thought 230 was competitive, but credit to Abhishek—he was phenomenal. Dropped catches cost us, and the dew made batting easier in the second innings. We’ll regroup for the next game.”
Pat Cummins (SRH Captain):
“Chasing 250 is insane, but our batters made it look easy. Abhishek’s knock was one of the best I’ve seen. We’ve been waiting for this performance.”
Abhishek Sharma (Player of the Match):
“I wanted to break our losing streak and play fearlessly. The pitch was a belter, and Head’s partnership gave me confidence. This innings is for my parents, who were in the stands.”
Pitch and Conditions
The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium’s Pitch No. 2 lived up to its reputation as a batting paradise. Experts Michael Clarke and Pommie Mbangwa described it as a “belter” with short boundaries (63–77 meters) and minimal dew, favoring high scores. The surface rewarded aggressive strokeplay, with 32 sixes and 37 fours struck across both innings.
Impact on IPL 2025 Standings
This victory propelled SRH from the bottom to eighth place, reviving their playoff hopes. PBKS slipped to sixth, with net run rate taking a hit.
Records Shattered
- Highest Individual Score by an Indian in IPL: Abhishek’s 141 surpassed Rishabh Pant’s 128*.
- Second-Highest IPL Chase: SRH surpassed Rajasthan Royals’ 224 vs KXIP (2020) to trail only RR’s 226 vs PBKS (2024).
- Most Sixes in an SRH Innings: Abhishek’s 10 sixes broke David Warner’s record of eight.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in T20 Cricket
SRH’s chase wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. Abhishek Sharma’s audacious strokeplay, combined with Head’s calculated aggression, showcased the evolution of T20 batting. For PBKS, the loss underscores the need for bowling recalibration. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, this match will be remembered as a watershed moment—a night when Hyderabad’s orange blaze outshone all expectations.
Final Scorecard:
- PBKS: 245/6 (20 overs) – Shreyas Iyer 82, Marcus Stoinis 34*; Harshal Patel 4/42.
- SRH: 247/2 (18.3 overs) – Abhishek Sharma 141, Travis Head 66; Arshdeep Singh 1/37.
Also Read:
- RCB vs CSK Preview: A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes Under Bengaluru’s Rain-Threatened Skies
- KKR vs PBKS Playing XI, Toss Update and Match Preview
- KKR vs PBKS Preview: Redemption and Rivalry Collide at Eden Gardens
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