IPL 2026: SRH score 67/0 in 6 overs against DC; Abhishek smashes 42

Abhishek Sharma (Pic: PTI)

The Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a flying start, scoring 67 runs without losing a wicket at the end of the powerplay against the Delhi Capitals. SRH openers came out all guns blazing, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 42 runs off just 19 balls.

Delhi Capitals handed the new ball to Nitish Rana, hoping his off-spin would prove effective against Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. However, the move backfired as both Abhishek and Head launched an aggressive assault on the DC bowlers.

At the end of the powerplay, SRH were cruising at 67/0 and looked well on course to post a total in excess of 200, given their deep batting line-up. Delhi Capitals will now rely on their spin duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav to pull things back in their favour.

Earlier, after winning the toss, Axar Patel opted to bowl first.

"We will bowl first. Luck has been going our way with the toss, but it would have been better to win matches as well. To maintain balance in the team, it's important to assess the conditions and pick the right playing XI accordingly. One change: Nitish Rana replaces Aquib Nabi," Axar Patel said.

Ishan Kishan admitted he would have preferred to bowl first too but was content with setting a target and defending it later.

"We have made a few changes. The team has been doing well. It's not just about results, but about execution and the players' mindset. They have been in a good space, coming up with clear plans, and that's what any captain wants from young bowlers. We'll take it one match at a time, and I believe they will continue to execute their plans," Ishan Kishan said.

Confirmed Playing XI for both teams:

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul(w), Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan(c), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora(w), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivang Kumar, Harsh Dubey, Sakib Hussain, Eshan Malinga