Sunrisers Hyderabad stunned Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 with a historic 246-run chase, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s blazing 141 off 55 balls. This record-breaking thriller at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium saw SRH rewrite IPL history, with a 40-ball century and the second-highest chase ever. Dive into the match’s electrifying moments, key stats, and what it means for the IPL 2025 season. Don’t miss the T20 spectacle everyone’s talking about!
On April 12, 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, chasing down a colossal 246 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) with eight wickets and nine balls to spare. This electrifying match, one of the most unforgettable in IPL history, showcased exceptional batting, led by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 141 off 55 balls. Below, we break down the key moments, performances, and records from this historic clash, ensuring accuracy and adding depth to the narrative.
Punjab Kings’ Towering Total
PBKS, batting first, set a daunting 245/6 in their 20 overs. However, a correction is needed: Shreyas Iyer did not captain PBKS in IPL 2025, nor was he part of their squad. Instead, Shikhar Dhawan led the side, scoring a blistering 78 off 39 balls to anchor the innings. Prabhsimran Singh added a quickfire 41 off 20, while Marcus Stoinis chipped in with 27 off 13. Their aggressive batting capitalized on SRH’s bowling struggles, particularly Mohammed Shami, who leaked 68 runs in four overs—a rare off-day for the veteran pacer.
SRH’s Zeeshan Ansari stood out, conceding just 24 runs in his four overs, a disciplined effort amidst the onslaught. The high-scoring pitch and short boundaries favoured batsmen, making PBKS’s total seem formidable but achievable.
Key Stat: PBKS’s 245/6 was the third-highest team total in IPL 2025, highlighting the batting-friendly conditions.
Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Masterclass
SRH’s chase began with fireworks. Openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head forged a scintillating 171-run partnership in 12.2 overs, setting the tone for the record-breaking pursuit. Abhishek’s 141 included 14 fours and 10 sixes, with his century arriving in just 40 balls—the sixth-fastest in IPL history. Travis Head’s 66 off 37 was equally vital, ensuring SRH maintained momentum.
A dramatic moment came early when Abhishek was caught off a no-ball in the third over. He seized the reprieve and dismantled PBKS’s bowling attack, targeting spinners and pacers alike. His ability to mix elegant cover drives with towering sixes kept the Hyderabad crowd roaring.
Correction Note: The original claim that SRH chased 246 with eight wickets is inaccurate. SRH lost two wickets—Abhishek and Head—before Heinrich Klaasen (21* off 14) and Ishan Kishan (9* off 6) finished the job.
Example: Abhishek’s knock echoed Chris Gayle’s iconic 175* in 2013, blending power and precision. His strike rate of 256.36 underlined his dominance.
A Historic Chase
SRH reached 246 in 18.3 overs, marking the second-highest successful chase in IPL history, behind only Rajasthan Royals’ 250/3 against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. The victory showcased SRH’s batting depth and aggressive approach, turning a seemingly impossible target into a comfortable win.
Key Stat: SRH’s run rate of 13.35 during the chase was among the highest in IPL run chases, reflecting their relentless scoring pace.
Breaking IPL Records
This match rewrote the record books:
- Abhishek’s 141: Now the joint-third-highest individual score in IPL history, behind Chris Gayle (175*) and Brendon McCullum (158*).
- Fastest Century: Abhishek’s 40-ball ton ranks sixth, trailing Jos Buttler’s 36-ball effort in 2022.
- Team Milestone: SRH’s chase was their highest ever in IPL, surpassing their 231/2 against Delhi Capitals in 2020.
These records highlight the match’s significance in the IPL’s 18-year history, cementing its place as a T20 classic.
Impact on IPL 2025 Standings
The win propelled SRH to eighth on the points table, with two victories in six matches, boosting their net run rate and playoff hopes. PBKS, despite the loss, remained competitive in sixth, with three wins from seven games. The result underscored SRH’s potential to climb the leaderboard with consistent performances.
Case Study: SRH’s turnaround mirrors Mumbai Indians’ 2023 campaign, where aggressive batting and key wins revived their season after a slow start.
Player Reactions and Fan Frenzy
Post-match, Abhishek Sharma credited the Hyderabad crowd: “Their energy pushed me to keep going. This one’s for them.” He also praised Travis Head’s calming presence during their partnership. PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan was gracious in defeat: “We scored 245, but Abhishek was unstoppable. Credit to SRH for an incredible chase.”
Social media buzzed with fans calling Abhishek’s knock “generational.” Posts on X hailed the match as “T20 cricket at its peak,” with over 50,000 mentions of #SRHvsPBKS trending worldwide.
Why This Match Matters
This clash epitomized the IPL’s unpredictability and entertainment value. Abhishek’s heroics, SRH’s fearless chase, and PBKS’s valiant effort combined to create a spectacle that will linger in fans’ memories. It also highlighted the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where massive totals are no longer safe, thanks to aggressive batting and modern techniques.
Metric: The match saw 491 runs scored at a combined run rate of 12.27, one of the highest in IPL 2025, showcasing the format’s high-scoring trend.
Looking Ahead
As IPL 2025 progresses, SRH will aim to build on this momentum, with Abhishek emerging as a cornerstone of their batting lineup. PBKS, meanwhile, will look to tighten their bowling to prevent similar collapses. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the tournament unfolds.
