IPL 2025: PBKS vs DC Pitch Report, Dharamsala Stadium Records & Highest Totals

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will host Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match No. 58 of IPL 2025 at the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday, May 8. With both teams eyeing playoff qualification, the clash carries massive stakes.

DC, sitting fifth with 13 points, have struggled in recent matches—managing just one win in their last five. Their top order remains a concern, with Karun Nair and Abishek Porel failing to make an impact. KL Rahul's inconsistency adds to their batting woes. However, Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs have shown resilience in the lower order.

In contrast, Punjab Kings have been in top form, winning seven of their 11 matches. Their batting, led by Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Priyansh Arya, has been aggressive and reliable. The bowling unit, featuring Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, has delivered consistent performances, giving PBKS an edge at home.

HPCA Stadium Pitch Report – A Batters’ Paradise

The pitch at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala has historically supported attacking cricket. In IPL 2025, it has produced high-scoring encounters, with an average scoring rate of 9.2 runs per over. Batters have averaged 31.5 runs per dismissal and maintained a strike rate above 145.

The surface offers even bounce and good carry, favoring stroke play. While pacers can extract some early movement, spinners have found limited success due to the true nature of the pitch. The quick outfield and low air density further aid batting, making it an ideal venue for setting or chasing big totals. Chasing, however, has been less successful overall.

HPCA Stadium Match Records (Since IPL 2023)

• Total Matches Played: 5

• Batting First Wins: 4

• Batting Second Wins: 1

• Average First Innings Score: 209/6

• Lowest Total Defended: 167

• Highest Successful Chase: 188

• 200+ Totals Recorded: 3 times

• Average Sixes per Match: 21

Bowling Stats:

• Pace: 71% overs, 48 wickets, Avg – 29.2, Economy – 10.1

• Spin: 29% overs, 17 wickets, Avg – 31.1, Economy – 9.2

Toss Impact at Dharamsala

Toss has not played a major role in determining results at Dharamsala. Of the 14 IPL matches hosted at the venue, teams losing the toss have won eight times (57.14%), while toss winners have won only six (42.86%).

PBKS and DC Record at Dharamsala

• Punjab Kings at HPCA Stadium:
  Matches – 14 | Wins – 6 | Losses – 8 | Win % – 43%

• Delhi Capitals at HPCA Stadium:
  Matches – 4 | Wins – 2 | Losses – 2 | Win % – 50%

In head-to-head meetings at this venue, both teams have won two matches each.

Previous IPL Match at Dharamsala

In IPL 2024 Match No. 54 at Dharamsala, Punjab Kings posted a massive total of 236/5 while batting first against Lucknow Super Giants. In response, LSG could only manage 199/7, handing PBKS a dominant 37-run victory.

Notable Records at HPCA Stadium

• Highest Team Total: 241/7 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs PBKS (May 9, 2024)

• Lowest Team Total: 116 by PBKS vs Deccan Chargers (May 2011)

• Highest Successful Chase: 178/5 by Deccan Chargers vs PBKS (April 16, 2010)

• Highest Individual Score: 106 by Adam Gilchrist (PBKS vs RCB, 2011)

• Best Bowling Figures: 4/9 by Amit Mishra (Deccan Chargers vs PBKS, 2011)

What to Expect: PBKS vs DC, IPL 2025

With PBKS in red-hot form and DC struggling for consistency, the Dharamsala encounter promises a high-octane battle. Punjab will look to exploit their home advantage and batting-friendly conditions, while DC’s bowlers must step up to turn the tide. A high-scoring match is likely, with power-hitters from both sides expected to shine on the belter of a track.