Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 35 of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, April 24. Punjab are the only unbeaten team this season and are at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Delhi are looking for momentum after a mixed campaign with three wins and three losses.
Punjab will enter the match as strong favorites, with consistent and explosive batting performances. Delhi Capitals recently suffered a 47-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and need to bounce back. Facing the table-toppers, the Capitals have a big challenge to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Teams Preview
Delhi Capitals Preview
Delhi Capitals have struggled with consistency in IPL 2026. After a strong start, they lost three of their last four matches and slipped to fifth place. Sunrisers Hyderabad exposed their bowling attack by scoring 242 runs. Captain Axar Patel must address it before facing Punjab Kings.
KL Rahul and Sameer Rizvi have scored over 200 runs each Tristan Stubbs adds stability in the middle order, supporting David Miller and Nitish Rana in the final overs.
Lungi Ngidi leads the pace attack, comprising Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan. Axar Patel controls the game with his economical spells, while Kuldeep Yadav adds variety with spin. His matchup against Shreyas Iyer could be key in the middle overs.
Key Players: KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav
Delhi Capitals Predicted Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi
Impact Subs: Karun Nair, Dushmantha Chameera, Ashutosh Sharma
Punjab Kings Preview
Punjab Kings have dominated IPL 2026 with five wins and one washout. In their previous match, they defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs after posting 254. The team looks well-balanced, with a strong batting lineup and a disciplined pace attack delivering consistent performances throughout the season.
The batting unit includes four players who have crossed 200 runs. Priyansh Arya impressed with a 93 against Lucknow Super Giants, while captain Shreyas Iyer anchors the middle order with consistency and experience.
Arshdeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak are the leading wicket-takers with six wickets each this season. Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett add depth to the pace attack. Yuzvendra Chahal remains key in the middle overs, using his experience to pick important wickets against Delhi Capitals’ middle order.
Key Players: Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Cooper Connolly
Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Subs: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge
Weather Conditions
New Delhi will experience hot and dry conditions during the evening match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Temperatures will stay in the low 30s with very low humidity. With clear skies, no rain expected, and a light breeze, players can expect a warm but uninterrupted IPL contest.
DC vs PBKS Pitch Report
The Arun Jaitley Stadium offers a batting-friendly surface that improves under lights. The average first-innings score often crosses 200. Fast bowlers need to rely on cutters and slower balls, while spinners may find it difficult to control the scoring. Dew is likely to play a major role later.
Toss Decision: Bowl First
Captains usually prefer to chase at this venue due to the heavy dew factor. Defending becomes tough as the ball comes nicely onto the bat in the second innings. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first and chase the target under lights.
Winning Prediction
Punjab Kings come into this match unbeaten and with a strong batting lineup. Delhi Capitals have struggled with consistency, especially with the ball. Considering their form and overall balance, Punjab Kings are favorites to win this match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the DC vs PBKS match being played?
The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, the home ground of Delhi Capitals.
Who are the key batters to watch for Punjab Kings?
Priyansh Arya and Cooper Connolly are in excellent form, providing strong starts alongside captain Shreyas Iyer.
Why are Delhi Capitals struggling this season?
Delhi Capitals are struggling mainly due to inconsistent bowling, which has failed to contain opposition batters and defend totals.
What is a competitive score on the New Delhi pitch?
The Arun Jaitley Stadium is a batting-friendly venue. Teams should aim for around 215-225 runs when batting first.
Who is predicted to win the DC vs PBKS match?
Punjab Kings are favorites to win due to their strong batting lineup and unbeaten run this season.
Also read: RCB vs GT Match Prediction: Playing XI, Pitch Report, Key Battles and Preview - IPL 2026 Match 33