🏏 Match Prediction
The 66th match of TATA IPL 2025 sees Punjab Kings (PBKS) face Delhi Capitals (DC) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, on May 24, 2025, 7:30 PM IST. PBKS, third with 17 points from 12 games (8 wins, 3 losses, 1 washout, NRR +0.85), aim for a top-two finish to secure two playoff chances, coming off a 10-run win over RR at this venue. DC, fifth with 13 points (6 wins, 7 losses), are eliminated after a 59-run loss to MI and play for pride. Their earlier 2025 clash in Dharamsala was abandoned at 122/1 (10.1 overs) due to security issues. PBKS lead the head-to-head 17-16 over 33 games, with DC winning 5/7 recent matches but losing the last two.
Sawai Mansingh’s batting-friendly pitch (average 1st innings: 200, RR 9.5 in 2025) offers early swing for pacers (economy 10.6) and spin assistance (economy 8.8) in middle overs. Dew (60% chance) and no rain risk favor chasing (64% wins, 39/62 games). PBKS’s batting depth (Iyer: 435 runs, Prabhsimran: 458 runs) and bowling (Arshdeep: 16 wickets, Chahal: 13 wickets) outshine DC’s inconsistent top order (average 21.17 away) and weak away bowling (average 35.29). PBKS’s recent Jaipur win (219/5 vs RR) and form (W-W-W-L-W) give them the edge, though DC’s Rahul (504 runs) and Stubbs could spark an upset.
🏆 Winning Probability:
📊 Punjab Kings – 70% ✅
📊 Delhi Capitals – 30%
📋 If PBKS Bats First:
✅ Expected Total: 200–220 runs, led by Prabhsimran Singh’s powerplay and Shreyas Iyer’s middle-order stability.
✅ Key Bowlers (DC): Kuldeep Yadav and Mustafizur Rahman must strike early to keep PBKS under 210.
✅ Finishers to Watch: Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis could push PBKS past 215 with late hitting.
📋 If DC Bats First:
✅ Expected Total: 180–200 runs, driven by KL Rahul’s anchoring and Tristan Stubbs’ finishing.
✅ Key Bowlers (PBKS): Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal will target DC’s middle order to restrict them under 190.
✅ Game Changers: Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma could accelerate for a competitive total.