Sunrisers Hyderabad bounced back in spectacular fashion to end their four-match losing streak, pulling off the second highest successful run chase in IPL history by hunting down a mammoth 246-run target set by Punjab Kings.
Powered by a breathtaking knock from Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 141 off just 63 balls, SRH stormed to 247/2 in 18.3 overs, winning by eight wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Sharma’s innings – now the third highest individual score in IPL history and the highest by an Indian – was laced with 13 fours and 10 sixes, underlining his return to prime form. Notably, the southpaw was dropped thrice — once at 4 (a tough chance), once caught off a no-ball at 28, and once again on 56 — and he made PBKS pay dearly for those missed chances.
SRH’s chase was built around a 171-run opening stand between Sharma and Travis Head, who contributed a rapid 66 off 37 balls. Once Head fell in the 13th over, the job was nearly done, and Sharma carried on with Heinrich Klaasen to finish off the chase with ease.
With this victory, SRH not only sealed an emphatic win but also sent a strong reminder of their batting firepower, setting the stage for a renewed campaign in the 2025 IPL season.
