• Punjab Kings owner Preity Zinta appreciated SRH opener Abhishek Sharma for his scintillating knock.

  • Abhishek raced to his maiden IPL century in just 40 balls.

IPL 2025: PBKS owner Preity Zinta showers praise on Abhishek Sharma after SRH opener dismantles her team
Preity Zinta appreciates Abhishek Sharma (PC: X)

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In a match destined for the Indian Premier League (IPL) history books, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) orchestrated a breathtaking run chase against Punjab Kings (PBKS) during Match 27 of the 2025 season at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday, April 12. The architect of this stunning victory was young opener Abhishek Sharma, whose spectacular, record-breaking century left spectators and opponents alike in awe, completely dismantling the Punjab Kings’ formidable total.

Preity Zinta can’t stop herself from praising Abhishek Sharma

Despite witnessing her team, Punjab Kings, end up on the losing side of this high-scoring encounter, co-owner Preity Zinta displayed remarkable sportsmanship. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the match, Preity graciously acknowledged the sheer brilliance of the opposition’s star performer.

“Tonight belongs to Abhishek Sharma! What a talent & what an unbelievable knock,” she posted, adding clapping emojis to emphasize her admiration. The Bollywood actress congratulated SRH on their win, urging her own team to “forget tonight and move on.” Preity’s classy gesture resonated widely, highlighting the spirit of cricket where exceptional talent is appreciated across team loyalties, even in the face of defeat.

Also WATCH: Kavya Maran jumps off her seat and hugs Abhishek Sharma’s mother after SRH opener smashes century against Punjab Kings – IPL 2025

SRH chases the mammoth total with 8 wickets in hand

The encounter was a true run-fest. Punjab Kings, batting first, put up a massive 245/6, powered by a scintillating 82 off just 36 balls from skipper Shreyas Iyer and a late blitz from Marcus Stoinis (34 not out off 11 balls). It seemed like a winning total on most nights. However, Abhishek Sharma had other plans. Launching an audacious counter-attack alongside Travis Head (66 off 37 balls), Abhishek tore into the PBKS bowling attack.

Abhishek reached his maiden IPL century in a mere 40 balls, the fifth-fastest in the tournament’s history and the second-fastest for an SRH batter. He didn’t stop there, continuing his onslaught to score a phenomenal 141 runs off just 55 deliveries, studded with 14 fours and 10 sixes. This incredible innings shattered multiple records: it became the highest individual score by an Indian player in IPL history, surpassing KL Rahul’s previous record, and also the highest score ever by an SRH batter, eclipsing David Warner’s 131. The opening partnership of 171 runs with Head laid the foundation for SRH to complete the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history, reaching 247/2 with 9 balls to spare. Abhishek was deservedly named ‘Player of the Match.’

Also WATCH: Travis Head and Glenn Maxwell engage in a verbal exchange during SRH vs PBKS match in IPL 2025

 

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ANIRUDH SINGH
Anirudh is the Head of Content at CricketTimes.com. He is a seasoned journalist and content writer with 12 years of experience in the field of cricket. With over 9,000 published articles under his belt, Anirudh brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, always striving to deliver content that resonates with audiences. A die-hard sports fan who loves playing, watching and talking about cricket. Cricket is his Religion & 'Sachin Tendulkar' his GOD. His motto of life is Eat, Sleep, Cricket, REPEAT!! You can write to him at anirudh@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.