The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has reached a crucial stage where every match can significantly alter the playoff picture. Today's encounter between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) is one such pivotal match.
Sports News: After a decade of setbacks, Punjab Kings is scripting a new success story in IPL 2025. Their Saturday match against Delhi Capitals holds immense significance, as they aim to secure a top-two finish in the league stage for the first time in 11 years. It's worth noting that Punjab last topped the league table in 2014 but missed out on the title in the final. In the entire IPL history, Punjab Kings has only reached the playoffs one other time.
This year, after an 11-year wait, the team has secured a playoff berth, and their sights are now set on achieving a top-two finish, making their second final appearance, and winning their first IPL title.
Punjab's Renewed Hope After a Decade
Punjab Kings' performance this season has been commendable. Overcoming years of disappointment, the team is now exhibiting renewed enthusiasm and confidence on the field. For the first time since topping the league table in 2014, Punjab Kings is very close to securing a top-two position. Team morale soared further with the return of four key overseas players from Australia: Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kyle Jamieson. These players had temporarily returned to their country due to the postponement of the league following the India-Pakistan military standoff.
With all four players back in the squad, Punjab Kings boasts a b batting and bowling combination, making them well-prepared to challenge a team like Delhi Capitals.
The Jaipur Pitch
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium pitch is generally considered balanced, but matches played here in IPL 2025 so far have favored batsmen. The consistent pace and bounce on the surface could provide fast bowlers with early wickets, while spinners might find turn and flight in the middle overs.
A total of 62 IPL matches have been played in Jaipur. Of these, 23 were won by the team batting first, and 39 were won by the team batting second. Statistically, the team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first.
Jaipur Weather Forecast
Good news for cricket fans: Jaipur is expected to have clear weather today. AccuWeather predicts only a 1% chance of rain during the day, with no rain anticipated at night. This means the entire match should proceed uninterrupted, eliminating the need for the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Head-to-Head Record
In IPL history, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals have clashed 34 times. Punjab has won 17 matches, Delhi 16, and one match ended in a no result. This indicates that the encounters between these two teams have generally been highly competitive and thrilling.
Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings- Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Impact Player- Harpreet Brar
Delhi Capitals- KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Abhishek Porel (Wicketkeeper), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (Captain)/Madhav Tiwari, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mukesh Kumar.
Impact Player- KL Rahul
