IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head blast SRH to highest powerplay score of the season

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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting in the 17th match of IPL 2026, recording the highest powerplay score of the season so far against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpar.

After being asked to bat first by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head unleashed absolute carnage. The duo raced to 105 runs without losing a wicket in the first six overs, setting the tone for what turned out to be a massive total.

The previous highest powerplay score in IPL 2026 was 97/1, achieved by Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) just a day earlier in Guwahati. SRH’s 105/0 comfortably surpassed that mark, reaffirming their reputation as one of the most explosive batting units in the tournament.

Left-handed Indian opener Abhishek was the chief architect of the carnage, smashing 74 runs off just 28 deliveries at a strike rate of 260 plus. His innings featured 8 sixes and 5 fours, as he single-handedly dismantled the PBKS bowling attack. Abhishek reached his half-century in just 18 balls, continuing his red-hot form in IPL 2026.

Australian southpaw Travis Head provided excellent support from the other end, scoring 38 runs off 23 balls. His brisk knock ensured that the momentum never dipped, as the pair added runs at a relentless pace.

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Prior to this match, the highest powerplay score of IPL 2026 was held by RR, who smashed 97/1 in the first six overs while chasing 202 against RCB on April 10. That innings was powered by 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (78 off 26) and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel (81 not out off 43). SRH’s 105/0 has now set a new benchmark for the season.

While 105/0 is the highest powerplay score of IPL 2026, it falls short of the all-time IPL record. That distinction still belongs to SRH themselves, who posted an incredible 125/0 in the powerplay against Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2024. Notably, that record-breaking opening partnership also featured Abhishek and Head.

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