IPL 2026: DC vs PBKS Prediction, Match 35 - Who Will Win Today?

I've seen that the Arun Jaitley stadium see some remarkable changes, however the task that lies ahead for Delhi Capitals ( DC) on Saturday afternoon is a huge one. We all know that Punjab Kings ( PBKS) are the only team that has not lost of the the IPL in 2026 with a comfortable position in the top spot of the list. The contrast is evident in speed in the IPL as Shreyas Iyer comes back to his old base, amidst a huge giant, while Axar Patel's players are determined to get their middle order in order to the 25th of April, 2026.

Game Prediction: David vs. Goliath at the Kotla

The storyline of Match 35 is all about how the Delhi Capitals can defend their turf at home. While DC is having had two wins at home to date, they're just coming off a brutal defeat in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They are currently in the 6th position having won three times in six games. According to reports, Punjab Kings have won five of six matches (with one game that did not have a result) and racking up 11 points.

I believe the battle with mental health will be as painful like the cricket. Shreyas Iyer has something to prove against his previous team, and the captaincy he has held is nothing short of inspirational. In the case of Delhi the onus is now to KL Rahul as well as David Miller to eventually come together with the same direction. It is evident that if DC is defeated today, they'll be back in the race to the top four spots.

Tactical Analysis: Key Battles and Pitch Report

From a business perspective from a professional perspective, the match this afternoon is a test for the endurance of. I am convinced that this afternoon's Delhi temperature that is soaring at 44°C which will transform the field to a dry and turning surface. The result is that Kuldeep Yadav as well as Yuzvendra Chahal immediately into the action.

• The Opening Duel Priyansh Arya along with Prabhsimran Singh have proved destructive to PBKS. They are known for getting the ball away from the opening six overs.

• The spin Squeeze: As we already know that, the Arun Jaitley Stadium typically assists spinners. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have to find a way to take down Marcus Stoinis and Shashank Singh during the middle innings.

• Death Bowling Arshdeep Singh is a dazzling figure to Punjab and has been able to execute yorkers on the fly. DC is relying upon his T Natarajan to provide the same the intensity.

DC vs PBKS: Head-to-Head and Points Table

I've put together the key details for today's game below, so that you can observe the way the teams historically have been match-up.

Predicted Playing XIs for Match 35

Both teams are likely to try to make the most of their options for spins given the start time in the afternoon and the dryness expected for the track.

Delhi Capitals (DC) Predicted XI:Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan (Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma).

Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted XI:Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal (Impact Player: Vijaykumar Vyshak).

Final Prediction: Who Will Win Today?

While I believe that Delhi Capitals have the advantage of being home-based and have an opportunity to show their worth, Punjab Kings are simply too powerful and balance right now. We know that the PBKS has found a unique winning match in each of their games which makes them extremely difficult to prepare against.

I am convinced that the bowling intensity that is Punjab which includes top wicket-takers as well as the technique that is Chahal and Chahal create the needed difference even in the heat of the Delhi temperatures. It is evident that the PBKS expanding their winning streak to stay on top of the IPL 2026 standings.

The winner's prediction is: Punjab Kings to prevail in a tightly contesting battle at the Kotla.