Jaipur: Punjab Kings, having ended an 11-year playoff drought, are now eyeing a top-two finish in IPL 2025 to gain a crucial double chance in the title hunt.
The Shreyas Iyer-led side face Delhi Capitals side which has already been eliminated from playoff contention and is looking to end their disappointing season on a high note in the 66th match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, tomorrow.
Punjab have been the most consistent side this season, accumulating 17 points from 12 matches to secure a playoff berth with two games to spare. Apart from Iyer, who has scored 435 runs at a strike rate of 175, Punjab’s batting has been bolstered by the steady performances of Prabhsimran Singh (458 runs) and Priyansh Arya (356 runs). The return of overseas players Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis provides added firepower and depth to the squad.
With the ball, pacer Arshdeep Singh has been the standout performer, claiming 16 wickets so far. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and all-rounder Harpreet Brar, who impressed with three wickets for 22 runs in their last outing, complete a balanced bowling attack capable of controlling games.
Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have struggled this season after a strong start, winning only two of their last nine matches and losing their playoff hopes. Their batting relies heavily on KL Rahul, who has amassed 504 runs, while Abishek Porel and Axar Patel have provided occasional support. The absence of key bowler Mitchell Starc has weakened their attack, although Mustafizur Rahman and Kuldeep Yadav have tried to hold the line.
The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium is expected to offer good bounce and pace assistance early on, favouring seamers. The ground’s reputation for high-scoring games, combined with dry and hot weather, suggests a batting-friendly contest. Dew factor later in the evening may aid the chasing side.
Probable teams:
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis/Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul, Abishek Porel (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar.
