The Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial Match 35 of IPL 2026 on April 25. Playing at their home ground, the Capitals are eager to find consistency and move up the leaderboard after a series of mixed results.
Led by Axar Patel, the team is looking to capitalize on their familiarity with the Delhi conditions to secure a vital win.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer, enter this contest as one of the form teams of the season. Boasting a balanced lineup of aggressive domestic talent and experienced international stars, Punjab has shown great resilience in high-scoring encounters.
With both teams historically neck-and-neck in their head-to-head records, this afternoon clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium promises to be a strategic battle for dominance in the middle phase of the tournament.
Match Details & Live Streaming
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 3:30 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcasting & Streaming: JioStar Network Channels, JioHotstar
DC vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 35
- Won by DC: 17
- Won by PBKS: 17
- No Result: 1
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is traditionally favorable for batters, featuring a true bounce and relatively short boundaries that encourage high-scoring games. However, being an afternoon match, the surface might be slightly dry initially, offering some grip to the spinners during the first innings.
As the game progresses, the track usually becomes easier to bat on. The average first-innings score at this venue ranges between 175-190. Unlike evening matches, dew will not be a factor, but the heat may play a role in the players' endurance.
Teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first to set a daunting total under the sun, though chasing remains a viable option given the ground's history.
Team Analysis
Delhi Capitals:
DC relies heavily on their experienced core, with KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka expected to provide a solid start at the top. The middle order features the power-hitting of David Miller, while Axar Patelprovides essential balance as a premier all-rounder.
Their bowling department, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi, will need to be disciplined to prevent Punjab's explosive hitters from taking control of the game.
Punjab Kings:
Punjab Kings have looked formidable this season thanks to the consistent form of Shreyas Iyer and the explosive strike rate of Priyansh Arya. Their batting depth allows them to maintain aggression throughout the twenty overs.
On the bowling side, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal form a lethal combination capable of taking wickets at any stage. Their primary strength lies in their ability to stay calm and execute plans during the pressure-filled death overs.
Match Prediction
The rivalry between these two sides is one of the most evenly matched in IPL history. While Delhi has the advantage of playing at home, Punjab Kings currently possess better momentum and a more settled bowling unit.
DC's success will depend on whether their top order can navigate the early threat posed by Arshdeep Singh. Given their current clinical form and overall team balance, the visitors hold a slight psychological edge.
Prediction: Punjab Kings likely to win
DC vs PBKS: Predicted Playing XI
Delhi Capitals (DC):
KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Ben Duckett, David Miller, Axar Patel (C), Abishek Porel (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Tushar Deshpande.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel.