PBKS vs DC IPL 2026 Match Preview: Check Dharamshala weather forecast, live streaming details, pitch report, head-to-head record, predicted playing XIs and key players for Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals.
Punjab Kings' captain Shreyas Iyer and Delhi Capitals' captain Axar Patel after Punjab Kings won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (IANS/Qamar Sibtain)
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 55 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, with both teams entering the contest under contrasting pressure in the playoff race.
Punjab Kings started the season in dominant fashion, winning six of their first seven matches and emerging as one of the strongest sides in the tournament.
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However, Shreyas Iyer’s men have hit a rough patch with three consecutive defeats, slipping into a tightly packed mid-table battle. A win on Monday could potentially push PBKS back to the top of the standings and revive their momentum heading into the business end of the season.
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Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, are fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Axar Patel’s side have managed only four wins in 11 matches and are on the verge of elimination.
DC have also struggled for consistency, registering just one victory in their last six outings, leaving them in a must-win situation in Dharamsala.
The last meeting between the two teams earlier this season turned into a run-fest, with Punjab Kings pulling off a record-breaking chase of 265, the highest successful chase in T20 history. With another batting-friendly pitch expected at the HPCA Stadium, fans could be set for another high-scoring encounter.
The weather in Dharamshala is expected to remain cool and mostly clear during the evening clash.
Although there were thunderstorms earlier in the day, rain is unlikely to interrupt the match, with forecasts predicting minimal chances of precipitation after the toss. Temperatures are expected to hover around 13–15°C during the game.
Cloud cover and moisture from earlier showers could provide some early movement for fast bowlers, while dew later in the evening may make chasing easier under lights.
What time will the PBKS vs DC IPL 2026 match start?
The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST.
What time will the toss take place?
The toss is scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
Where is the PBKS vs DC match being played?
The match will be held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.
Where can you watch the PBKS vs DC IPL 2026 match live on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India.
Where can you livestream the PBKS vs DC match?
Fans can stream the match live on the JioHotstar app and website.
Matches: 36
PBKS wins: 18
DC wins: 17
No Result: 1
Punjab Kings hold a narrow edge in the overall rivalry and also defeated Delhi Capitals earlier this season in a historic high-scoring clash.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Delhi Capitals (DC):
KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan
The HPCA Stadium surface is expected to offer another batting-friendly contest, with the venue producing several high-scoring games in recent IPL seasons.
The high-altitude conditions in Dharamsala allow the ball to travel quickly, making it an attractive venue for power-hitters. The average first-innings score at the ground since 2023 has been above 200, and short square boundaries could further favour aggressive stroke play.
However, pacers are also expected to get assistance with the new ball due to the cool evening conditions and residual moisture from earlier rain. Fast bowlers who can exploit swing and bounce early could play a decisive role before dew settles in later during the match.
Team News & Key Updates
Punjab Kings:
PBKS will be eager to rediscover their winning rhythm after three straight defeats, with Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh expected to play crucial roles.
Delhi Capitals:
DC are likely to stick with their experienced core as they attempt to keep their fading playoff hopes alive in a must-win fixture.
Players to Watch
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): The Punjab skipper will be central to stabilising the batting lineup after a difficult run of results.
Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): The left-arm pacer could prove dangerous with the new ball under cool Dharamsala conditions.
KL Rahul (DC): Delhi’s leading batter this season remains key to their hopes of posting or chasing a big total.
Mitchell Starc (DC): The Australian quick will look to exploit any early movement available on the surface.
Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Vishnu Vinod, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, Vishal Nishad.
Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel (captain), KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Karun Nair, David Miller, Pathum Nissanka, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Lungi Ngidi, Vipraj Nigam, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson, Rehan Ahmed.
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