Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings Prediction & Match Preview – IPL 2026, 35th Match
Match summary
Our IPL 2026 preview of Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings at Arun Jaitley Stadium: form guide, likely XIs, pitch, rain risk, expected scores and a pick.
Match details
| Match | Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings, 35th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | Indian Premier League 2026 |
| Date | 25 Apr 2026 |
| Start time | 10:00 am GMT / 3:30 pm local |
| Venue | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Punjab Kings |
| Toss pick | Delhi Capitals |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Delhi Capitals host table-toppers Punjab Kings in the 35th match of IPL 2026. Delhi have won three and lost three, leaving them mid-table with a slightly negative net run rate, and they have dropped three of their last four. In the most recent game they conceded 242 to Sunrisers Hyderabad and lost by 47 runs.
Sameer Rizvi leads Delhi’s batting with 209 runs, ahead of KL Rahul on 205 and Tristan Stubbs on 196. Pathum Nissanka is still searching for rhythm. In the bowling, T Natarajan, Lungi Ngidi and Mukesh Kumar have shared 16 wickets, with captain Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav in support. Kuldeep’s record against Shreyas Iyer could be a key match-up.
Punjab are unbeaten in completed games, with five wins and a no-result. They made 254 in beating Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs, the highest total of the season so far. Cooper Connolly has 223 runs, Prabhsimran Singh is striking at over 170, and Priyansh Arya has just made 93 off 37 balls. Arshdeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak head the wicket charts, and Yuzvendra Chahal has a good record against Delhi. Our preview backs Punjab.
Arun Jaitley Stadium is usually good for batting in T20s, with true bounce and short boundaries that push totals towards 170–200. Seamers may get some movement with the new ball, but it does not last, and the pitch can slow so that spinners come into play in the middle overs. Variations are the key for bowlers. Dew can help chasers in night games, though it should matter little for a mid-afternoon start.
Temperatures are forecast at about 30–32°C under partly cloudy to overcast skies. There is a moderate chance of passing showers or a brief thunderstorm around match time, which could cause a short stoppage. Humidity is moderate and a light breeze is expected. It should not be a washout.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 185–205 | – |
| Second innings | 175–195 | – |
Punjab Kings
Punjab are top of the table and unbeaten in completed games, while Delhi have lost three of their last four.
Toss pick: Delhi Capitals
FAQ
When is Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings?
The 35th match of IPL 2026 is scheduled for Saturday 25 April 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, with a 3:30 pm local start.
Will rain affect the game?
There is a moderate chance of passing showers or a thunderstorm around match time, which could briefly interrupt play.
Who does our preview pick?
Our preview picks Punjab Kings, who are top of the table with five wins and one no-result from six matches.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Delhi Capitals
- Pathum Nissanka
- KL Rahulwk
- Sameer Rizvi
- Nitish Rana
- Tristan Stubbs
- Axar Patelc
- David Miller
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mukesh Kumar
- T Natarajan
- Lungi Ngidi
Punjab Kings
- Prabhsimran Singhwk
- Priyansh Arya
- Cooper Connolly
- Shreyas Iyerc
- Shashank Singh
- Nehal Wadhera
- Marcus Stoinis
- Marco Jansen
- Xavier Bartlett
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal