As the IPL 2025 league stage approaches its business end, Delhi Capitals (DC) find themselves in must-win territory when they face the in-form Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 54 at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
PBKS have hit peak form at just the right time, while DC, despite a promising start to the season, are hanging by a thread. With the race for playoffs heating up, this game holds significant importance for both teams, particularly for DC, which cannot afford another slip. A win for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) will make them the first IPL 2025 team to enter the playoffs.
Match Details: PBKS vs DC
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, Match 54, IPL 2025
- Date: May 8, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network & JioCinema
HPCA Stadium Pitch Report
The Dharamsala track offers early movement with the new ball, especially under lights, but once batters settle, it’s a great wicket to bat on. Seamers, particularly those who hit the deck hard, enjoy assistance here. With high altitude adding to the carry, sixes tend to travel far. However, as seen in the previous games, spinners have had to work harder to be effective.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Square Boundaries | 64m & 70m |
| Straight Boundary | 79m |
| Surface Type | Hard with good carry |
| Par First Innings Score | 175 |
| Spin Assistance | Low |
| Conditions | Early help for seamers; value for strokeplay |
Pace vs Spin at Dharamsala (IPL 2024-25)
| Type | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Economy | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | 312 | 503 | 23 | 9.67 | 13.5 |
| Spin | 150 | 216 | 11 | 8.64 | 13.6 |
PBKS vs DC: Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 33
- PBKS Wins: 17
- DC Wins: 16
- At Dharamsala: PBKS 2 – 2 DC
- Since 2021: DC lead 5–2
Probable XIs
Punjab Kings
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis (wk), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, (Vyshak/Shedge)
Delhi Capitals
Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (C), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan
PBKS vs DC Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips
Wicketkeepers
- Prabhsimran Singh – Three consecutive fifties; blazing starts at the top.
- Josh Inglis – Promoted to No. 3; plays the spin well and scores quickly.
- KL Rahul – Form has dipped but remains a class act and can anchor the innings.
- Tristan Stubbs – DC’s designated finisher with big-hitting prowess.
Batters
- Shreyas Iyer (C/VC) – PBKS captain in sublime touch. Has 192 runs in 3 T20 innings at Dharamsala at a strike rate of 168.
- Faf du Plessis – Experienced campaigner. Due for a big score after injury layoff.
- Karun Nair – Struggling to convert starts; a risky pick in fantasy XI.
All-rounders
- Azmatullah Omarzai – Hits the hard lengths and adds finishing power.
- Marco Jansen – Swings it early and can add 15–20 crucial runs down the order.
- Axar Patel (C/VC) – One of DC’s best utility players. Can be used early with the ball and finish games with the bat.
Bowlers
- Arshdeep Singh (C/VC) – Specialist at this venue. 7 wickets in 5 innings at Dharamsala. Known to strike early in the powerplay.
- Mitchell Starc (C/VC) – High pace and control with the new ball. Loves bowling at altitude.
- Dushmantha Chameera – Skiddy, quick, and likely to be effective under lights with his yorkers.
Player Battles to Watch: PBKS vs DC
Shreyas Iyer at Dharamsala
- Matches: 3
- Runs: 192
- Average: 96.00
- Strike Rate: 168.42
- 50s: 2 | Best: 74*
Arshdeep Singh at Dharamsala
- Matches: 5
- Wickets: 7
- BBI: 3/16
- Dot Ball %: 40.1
- Strike Rate: 14.5
Marcus Stoinis vs Axar Patel
- Runs: 22 off 40 balls
- Strike Rate: 55
- Times Dismissed: 4
- Axar dominates this head-to-head with control and variation.
Dream11 Captaincy Picks
- Shreyas Iyer – Dominant form and record at the venue.
- Arshdeep Singh – Powerplay wicket-taker, known to break partnerships.
- Mitchell Starc – Speed, bounce and death-overs effectiveness.
- Axar Patel – Batting up the order, handy left-arm spin against RHB-heavy line-up.
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