The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamshala is all set to host its first Indian Premier League match in a decade when the Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday. Notably, this will be first high-profile cricket encounter in the venue after it underwent renovation.
For beginners, PBKS will host their final two league games here with both of them literally must-win ones in the context of the competition for them to proceed to the playoffs. PBKS managed just a solitary win from their 5 matches in their other home in Mohali and they would look to win two out of two in their new home. There will be added pressure in the air especially since the side have not reached the Playoffs since 2014.
The positive is that PBKS have already registered a win over DC in the reverse fixture not too long ago and with the latter out of contention for a place in the final four, this will be a golden opportunity for PBKS to bag two crucial points.
PBKS vs DC Dharamsala Weather Forecast:
The Weather in Dharamshala is predicted to be pleasant. Expect a bit of help for the pacers especially with slight overcast conditions expected about match time. It will be a bit of a break for the players playing in hot and humid conditions as temperature will range between 16 to 25 degrees.
HPCA Stadium IPL Records:
Highest Score- 232/2 by Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2011
Average Score (Batting first)- 176
Average Winning Total- 190
Highest Successful Chase- 178/5 by Deccan Chargers vs Punjab in IPL 2010
PBKS vs DC Head to Head:
Matches: 31
PBKS Won: 16
DC Won: 15 (including 1 Super Over Win)
PBKS vs DC Current position in points tally:
PBKS- 8th place with 12 points from 12 matches. Net run rate of -0.268
DC- 10th place with 8 points from 12 matches. Net run rate of -0.686