May 24 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 7:30 PM
Match 66 of the Indian Premier League 2025 sees the Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Jaipur, and from a betting perspective, there are several strong angles to consider. PBKS are gunning for a top-two finish, while DC are playing for pride after being eliminated. Here’s a deep dive into what to expect and where bettors can find value.
Match Context & Team Motivation
Punjab Kings have secured their playoff spot, sitting on 17 points after 12 games. A win here could catapult them to the top of the points table, giving them a place in Qualifier 1 and a crucial second chance in the playoffs. That alone gives them a compelling reason to go all out.
In contrast, Delhi Capitals are already out of the running. A loss to the Mumbai Indians a few nights ago officially ended their season. With 13 points from 13 games, DC are simply looking to end the season on a positive note. That said, teams with nothing to lose can be dangerous, but the lack of urgency and playoff consequences does shift the edge in PBKS’s favour.
Betting Tip: Punjab Kings to win (1.70 odds). They are in better form, have greater motivation, and have a more balanced squad heading into this encounter.
Venue Insight: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
This pitch has been a high-scoring venue in IPL 2025. Across five games, the average first-innings score has hovered around the 200-run mark. Three of those five matches were won by teams batting first, suggesting that runs on the board are a big advantage here.
The new ball does offer swing early on, so top-order batters need to be cautious. Once the swing dies down, it becomes a run-fest. Death bowling and spin in the middle overs could also influence the game, but overall, expect a high-scoring encounter.
Betting Tips:
- First-innings Total Over 189.5
- PBKS Highest Opening Partnership (~1.80 odds)
Form Guide & Key Players
Punjab Kings
Shreyas Iyer has been the glue and the spark in PBKS’s batting. With 435 runs at an average of 48.33 and a strike rate of 174.70, he’s been a model of consistency and aggression. He played at No. 5 in their last match, but wherever he bats, he delivers.
Arshdeep Singh is a proven match-winner with the ball. Although his last outing (0/60 in 4 overs) was one to forget, he’s picked up 16 wickets this season and usually bounces back strong.
Delhi Capitals
Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul have experience but haven’t consistently delivered. If they can set a foundation, DC might put up a fight, but pressure-free games don’t always bring out the best in players.
Kuldeep Yadav remains DC’s most reliable bowler. If the pitch takes some turn, he could disrupt PBKS’s middle order. Mustafizur Rahman is another name to watch for variations at the death.
Player Performance Bets:
- Shreyas Iyer Top Punjab Kings Batter (~3.75)
- Kuldeep Yadav Top Delhi Capitals Bowler (~3.50)
- PBKS to Hit Most Match Sixes (~1.65)
Head-to-Head & Recent Meetings
PBKS and DC have faced off 34 times. PBKS lead the head-to-head narrowly with 17 wins to DC’s 16. Their last meeting earlier this month was abandoned due to security reasons, but at the time of interruption, PBKS were well ahead at 122/1 in 10.1 overs. That performance, albeit incomplete, gives a good indication of their dominance.
Predicted Playing XIs
PBKS: Arya, Prabhsimran (wk), Owen, Iyer (c), Wadhera, Shashank, Omarzai, Jansen, Bartlett, Chahal, Arshdeep
Impact Player: Harpreet Brar
DC: du Plessis, Rahul (wk), Porel, Axar (c), Rizvi, Stubbs, Sharma, Nigam, Chameera, Kuldeep, Mustafizur
Impact Player: Mukesh Kumar
Match Prediction & Final Verdict
Delhi might play with freedom, but Punjab Kings have everything to play for. Their batting lineup is in form, their bowling attack is more rounded, and they’ve shown better composure in tight matches. Motivation, momentum, and matchups all point in one direction.
Best Bet: Punjab Kings to win
Other Recommended Bets:
- Shreyas Iyer Top PBKS Batter
- First Innings Score Over 189.5
- PBKS to Hit Most Sixes