IPL 2025: PBKS owner Preity Zinta showers praise on Abhishek Sharma after SRH opener dismantles her team

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.

Tonight belongs to Abhishek Sharma ! What a talent & what an unbelievable knock. 👏👏Congratulations SRH ! As for us , best to forget tonight and move on as it’s early days in the tournament & such games are best forgotten. SRHvPBKS

— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) April 12, 2025

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.’

Abhishek Sharma unleashes absolute carnage with a jaw-dropping 141 off 55 balls, registering the third-highest individual score in IPL history! 🔥💯✨#Cricket #AbhishekSharma #IPL #IPL2025 #SRHvPBKS pic.twitter.com/SX996clE8S

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 12, 2025