Abhishek Sharma powers Sunrisers to record IPL chase with explosive 141

Abhishek Sharma smashes third-highest IPL score as Sunrisers Hyderabad stun Punjab Kings in epic run chase.

Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 match against Punjab Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on April 12, 2025. Photo by Noah Seelam/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Abhishek Sharma powers Sunrisers to record IPL chase with explosive 141 in one of the most thrilling matches of the season. His phenomenal knock guided Sunrisers Hyderabad to the second-highest successful run chase in Indian Premier League history, chasing down a mammoth 246 against Punjab Kings on Saturday with eight wickets and nine balls to spare. The victory not only lifted Sunrisers from the bottom of the table but also etched Sharma's name in the record books with one of the most destructive innings ever witnessed in the league.

A fearless start to a historic chase

Right from the first over, it was evident that Sunrisers Hyderabad had no intention of playing it safe. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, the opening duo, tore into Punjab’s bowling attack with relentless aggression. The pair put on a breathtaking 171-run partnership—this season's highest so far—with Head contributing a powerful 66 off 37 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. But it was Sharma who stole the show.

Sharma reached his half-century in just 19 balls, setting the tone for a performance that would soon turn historic. “We didn't talk about anything. It was just natural play for us. The partnership boosted me up,” he said post-match, reflecting on the free-spirited approach he and Head adopted during the chase.

A record-breaking knock

Abhishek Sharma’s final tally of 141 off 55 balls was more than just a match-winning effort—it was a statement. His innings featured 14 fours and 10 sixes, placing him as the third-highest individual scorer in IPL history, behind only Chris Gayle’s 175 not out and Brendon McCullum’s 158 not out.

He brought up his century in just 40 deliveries and celebrated in style, waving a note that read, “This one for the Orange Army,” dedicating the moment to Sunrisers fans who had endured a difficult start to the season. His knock was the largest individual IPL score in 12 years and the highlight of Hyderabad’s campaign so far.

Eventually, Arshdeep Singh ended Sharma’s sensational innings with just 24 runs needed, but the damage was already done. Heinrich Klaasen ensured there were no late hiccups, scoring an unbeaten 21 off 14 balls to seal the eight-wicket victory.

Punjab’s massive total falls short

Despite the loss, Punjab Kings put in a commendable effort with the bat. Shreyas Iyer struck a solid 82 while Marcus Stoinis added a blistering 34-run cameo towards the end, pushing Punjab to an imposing total of 245-6. At that point, it looked like Punjab had done enough to secure the win—especially with the highest successful IPL chase previously being their own 262-run pursuit against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens last year.

However, no total seems safe in the age of aggressive T20 batting, and Abhishek Sharma made sure to drive that point home emphatically.

Pooran’s power play helps Lucknow edge past Gujarat

Earlier in the day, Nicholas Pooran continued his spectacular IPL 2025 form, smashing 61 runs to help Lucknow Super Giants snap Gujarat Titans’ four-match winning streak. Chasing 181, Lucknow reached their target with six wickets in hand and three balls to spare.

South Africa’s Aiden Markram played a key role at the top with a fluent 58, filling in for his absent opening partner Mitchell Marsh, who missed the game due to his daughter’s illness. Markram stitched partnerships of 65 with Rishabh Pant and 58 with Pooran, setting up the foundation for a successful chase.

Nicholas Pooran continues to dominate

Pooran’s 61 off 34 balls, which included a four and a remarkable seven sixes, not only helped secure the win but also elevated him to the top of the run-scoring charts this season with 349 runs at a staggering strike-rate of 215. His explosive form has been a defining feature of Lucknow’s campaign.

Rishabh Pant, speaking after the match, lauded Pooran’s impact: “You want someone like him on your side and not batting against you. The way he is reading the game right now, the way he is batting is phenomenal.”

Pooran reached his half-century in just 23 balls and fell shortly after to Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, but by then the match had firmly tilted in Lucknow’s favor.

Pant still under pressure despite win

Despite promoting himself to open the batting, Rishabh Pant failed to make a significant impact. He was dropped early by Gujarat’s Jos Buttler but managed only 21 off 18 balls before falling to fast bowler Prasidh Krishna. So far, Pant has struggled to justify his hefty auction price tag of $3.21 million, having scored just 40 runs in five innings.

With expectations high and pressure mounting, Pant will need to turn things around soon if he is to contribute meaningfully to Lucknow’s playoff hopes.

Gujarat lose grip on the top spot

Gujarat Titans’ defeat cost them the top spot in the IPL table, and they now sit just ahead of Lucknow, who have claimed third place with four wins from six matches. Sai Sudharsan, Gujarat’s leading run-getter until this game, was unable to match Pooran’s brilliance and was overshadowed throughout the contest.

While Gujarat have been consistent this season, this loss could serve as a reminder that even the most in-form teams need to keep evolving to maintain their edge.

Impact player seals it for Lucknow

Ayush Badoni, brought in as an impact substitute, provided the finishing touches with a composed unbeaten 28. After a slight wobble in the closing overs, Badoni settled nerves by hitting a four and a six to clinch the win with style.

This kind of depth and composure in the lower order bodes well for Lucknow as they look to maintain their momentum and push for a playoff spot.

IPL 2025 keeps delivering

From Abhishek Sharma’s unforgettable 141-run masterclass to Nicholas Pooran’s consistent fireworks, IPL 2025 continues to thrill fans with world-class performances and dramatic finishes. As the tournament progresses, the race for the playoffs is heating up, and individual brilliance like we witnessed on Saturday may well define how teams rise—or fall—in the coming weeks.