DC vs PBKS Today Match Prediction — IPL 2026 Match 35: Who Will Win, Pitch Report & Playing XI
Today's DC vs PBKS IPL 2026 match prediction is for Match 35 — Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on April 25 (3:30 PM IST). This is the first game of today's double header and a clash between contrasting trajectories — Delhi fighting to stay relevant in the top-4 conversation, Punjab marching forward as the only unbeaten team in IPL 2026.
Our AI prediction gives Punjab Kings a 60% win probability. PBKS are in phenomenal form — 5 wins from 6 matches, 11 points, unbeaten — and possess arguably the most dangerous opening pair in the tournament in Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. Captain Shreyas Iyer has anchored the middle order brilliantly, and Arshdeep Singh with Marco Jansen provide a formidable bowling attack. DC have home advantage at Kotla and Kuldeep Yadav's match-winning spin is a genuine threat — giving them a real 40% chance.
Our verdict: PBKS will win today by 15-20 runs and keep their unbeaten record intact. Scroll down for the full pitch report, playing XI, head-to-head stats and key player battles.
DC vs PBKS Match Prediction — Win Probability & Analysis
Punjab Kings arrive in Delhi as the runaway favourites. Their record this season is extraordinary — 5 wins from 6 matches, including hammering LSG by 54 runs (254/7) and a consistent march to 11 points. Priyansh Arya is the most explosive opener in IPL 2026 with a 248 strike rate. Shreyas Iyer has been the anchor at No. 4 — steady when wickets fall, destructive when PBKS need it. Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen form a genuinely elite new-ball pairing, and Yuzvendra Chahal will be dangerous on a Delhi pitch that assists spin in the middle overs.
Delhi Capitals have the tools to cause an upset. The afternoon start removes the dew factor that so often benefits chasing teams at Kotla — making this a more defender-friendly game than usual. KL Rahul is in explosive form and Kuldeep Yadav — the best left-arm wrist spinner in the world — has historically tormented batters at this ground. Axar Patel's left-arm spin from the other end gives DC a formidable spin duo. If DC's top order gives Kuldeep time to bowl in the middle overs with a decent total on the board, the game becomes competitive. But PBKS's batting depth is simply superior — too many match-winners throughout the order.
DC vs PBKS Pitch Report — Arun Jaitley Stadium Today
Arun Jaitley Stadium (formerly Feroz Shah Kotla) in Delhi is a flat, batting-friendly surface in IPL 2026 with good bounce. The 3:30 PM afternoon start is crucial — it eliminates the dew that typically rolls in during evening games at Kotla, meaning batting second carries more risk than it would under lights. Par score is 170-190. Pacers get early assistance with the new ball, especially with the extra pace off this surface. As the afternoon progresses, the pitch typically quickens up slightly. Spinners — notably Kuldeep Yadav for DC and Chahal for PBKS — find purchase in the middle overs. At this start time, setting a target is a viable option, with chasing teams winning 42% of games at this venue in afternoon IPL matches.
DC vs PBKS Head-to-Head Record in IPL
Delhi Capitals lead the all-time head-to-head: DC 18 wins vs PBKS 16 wins in 34 IPL encounters. At Arun Jaitley Stadium, the record is level — 6-6. Despite DC's marginal all-time advantage, PBKS enter this match in far superior form. Their last meeting this season saw PBKS win by 7 wickets in Match 24. The form gap between the two teams this season is stark — PBKS are the only unbeaten side; DC have won 3 from 7.
DC vs PBKS Today's Predictions
60% confidence
Superior depth & form
Most explosive opener in IPL 26
Decisive in middle overs at Kotla
65% if PBKS win
DC vs PBKS Key Player Battles Today
Priyansh Arya vs Kuldeep Yadav
The most important battle of Match 35. Arya's 248 strike rate is built on attacking spin from the go — he plays the sweep and reverse sweep instinctively. Kuldeep's left-arm wrist spin is the toughest challenge any right-hander faces in IPL 2026. If Kuldeep can dismiss Arya cheaply when he comes on in the powerplay or early middle overs, DC can contain PBKS to a gettable total. If Arya smashes Kuldeep early, PBKS are on their way to 200+.
KL Rahul vs Arshdeep Singh
Rahul's technically correct game against Arshdeep's left-arm swing is a fascinating duel. Arshdeep's ability to swing the ball both ways at pace is the hardest challenge for any opener. Rahul averages 45+ vs right-arm pace but has historically struggled against quality left-arm swing. An early Arshdeep wicket derails DC's top-order platform.
Axar Patel vs Shreyas Iyer
Axar's left-arm spin at Kotla — his home ground — is always potent. He knows exactly which lengths to bowl on this surface to extract maximum turn. Shreyas Iyer has improved his footwork against spin dramatically but Axar's accuracy at this ground makes him the most reliable bowler for DC. If Axar removes Iyer cheaply, PBKS's middle order is exposed.
DC vs PBKS Playing XI Prediction Today
IPL 2026 Points Table — After Match 34
RCB won Match 34 vs GT last night — chasing 206/5 in a thriller (206/5 vs GT's 205/3). RCB move up to 3rd. Today's double header could significantly shake the table — PBKS can extend their lead to 13 points, and both DC and SRH are competing for the 4th playoff spot.
| # | Team | M | W | L | NRR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🔴 PBKS ⚔️ | 6 | 5 | 0 | +1.420 | 11 |
| 2 | 🩷 RR ⚔️ | 7 | 5 | 2 | +0.790 | 10 |
| 3 | 🔴 RCB | 8 | 5 | 3 | +0.880 | 10 |
| 4 | 🟠 SRH ⚔️ | 7 | 4 | 3 | +0.820 | 8 |
| 5 | 🔵 DC ⚔️ | 7 | 3 | 4 | +0.040 | 6 |
| 6 | 🟡 CSK | 7 | 3 | 4 | -0.320 | 6 |
| 7 | 🔵 GT | 8 | 3 | 5 | -0.900 | 6 |
| 8 | 🔵 MI | 7 | 2 | 5 | -0.450 | 4 |
| 9 | 🔵 LSG | 7 | 2 | 5 | -1.500 | 4 |
| 10 | 🟣 KKR | 7 | 1 | 5 | -0.879 | 3 |
⚔️ = Playing today · Updated after Match 34 (RCB beat GT by 5 wkts)
DC vs PBKS — Frequently Asked Questions
🏏 Today's Double Header — Don't Miss Match 36
RR vs SRH at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur — 7:30 PM IST. Two in-form teams clash in the Pink City.
Read RR vs SRH Full Prediction →