Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals Preview, Prediction and betting odds: 24/5/2025

Match 66 of the 2025 Indian Premier League season sees the Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur this Saturday. Punjab have already confirmed their place in the playoffs, currently holding third place on the table with 17 points from 12 games. With two league matches left, they will look to climb into the top two, a position that offers an additional opportunity to reach the final. Meanwhile, Delhi have been mathematically eliminated and will only look to finish on a high note in their final appearance this season.

Punjab Kings Overview

After more than a decade of waiting, Punjab have made a successful return to the IPL playoffs. The team’s consistent form this season has been underpinned by a powerful batting lineup and key individual performances.

Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have laid solid foundations throughout the season. Prabhsimran has accumulated 458 runs from 12 innings, while Arya has contributed 356 runs. In the abandoned fixture between these two sides earlier this season in Dharamsala, the duo had raced to 122 in just 10 overs—highlighting their destructive potential.

Shreyas Iyer has been central in holding the innings together in the middle overs, compiling 435 runs at an impressive strike rate of 175. Lower down, Nehal Wadhera has chipped in with timely contributions, striking around 160 when needed most. Shashank Singh has also stood out as a finisher, managing pressure situations effectively and swinging games in the death overs.

Punjab’s overseas options have now been bolstered with the return of Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kyle Jamieson. While only two are expected to play, Stoinis and Inglis may be favored due to their explosive capabilities.

On the bowling front, Arshdeep Singh has led the attack, claiming 16 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 8.70. However, Marco Jansen has had a subdued season. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been inconsistent—threatening on his day but expensive when off form. Harpreet Brar, after picking up 3 for 22 against Rajasthan, could play a pivotal role again, especially in the middle overs.

Delhi Capitals Overview

Delhi’s campaign started brightly with four consecutive victories but quickly deteriorated. In their next nine games, they managed just two wins and lost seven times, ending their playoff hopes. Their final match offers a chance to regroup and finish the season on a more positive note.

KL Rahul has been the standout performer with the bat, registering 504 runs in 12 matches. Alongside him, Abishek Porel has made a useful contribution, scoring 301 runs at a strike rate of 147. Middle-order support has come from Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs, who have added resilience when required. Axar, who missed the last match due to illness, is expected to return.

Ashutosh Sharma has been a late-season bright spark, showing composure during high-pressure finishes. Delhi’s bowling attack, though, has struggled without Mitchell Starc. Mustafizur Rahman has provided control and experience, while Dushmantha Chameera has been more expensive. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav has delivered consistently, with 13 wickets and a tight economy of 6.85.

Vipraj Nigam, although picking up nine wickets, has proven costly, going at over nine runs an over. Mukesh Kumar has shown promise but conceded heavily in his final over against Mumbai. Punjab’s batters are expected to target him and Chameera in the final overs.

Pitch and Weather Conditions in Jaipur

The surface at Sawai Mansingh Stadium has held up well this season, offering predictable bounce with a firm base that assists strokeplay. Early on, there may be some movement for the bowlers, but batting becomes easier as the game progresses. Dew in the second half could reduce grip for spinners, making run defense challenging.

Weather conditions in Jaipur are forecast to be hot and dry, with no threat of rain. The pitch should remain true throughout the match, setting up the possibility for a high-scoring contest.

The average first-innings total at this ground is 165, but recent matches this season have seen targets exceed 200. Teams will likely look to bat first and set a total around the 210-mark to feel secure.

Toss Strategy: Prefer Batting First

Given the last two fixtures at this venue have favored sides batting first, captains are expected to opt for setting a target if they win the toss.

Prediction

Punjab Kings have delivered one of their most complete IPL campaigns in recent memory. With a playoff place already locked in, their focus will now be on securing a top-two finish to increase their chances of progressing to the final. Delhi, having fallen short of expectations, will try to end their season with a competitive showing, though the odds are stacked against them.

Prediction: Punjab Kings are favored to win this match and strengthen their position heading into the playoffs.