Delhi Capitals. [Source - AP]Delhi Capitals are reeling after a tough defeat in their last match and are in desperate need of a win. Their task looks formidable as they face an unbeaten Punjab Kings side, who have been in exceptional form this seasonThe two teams will clash in Match 35 of IPL 2026, scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The high-stakes encounter promises to be thrilling, with the action going live at 3:30 PM IST.DC vs PBKS Match Preview- Match 35, IPL 2026Delhi Capitals started strong, winning their first two games, but struggled to maintain consistency, losing three of their next four matches. With three wins from six games, they find themselves in the bottom half of the table.On the other hand, Punjab Kings have been dominant, winning all five of their completed matches, with one game ending without a result. They remain the only unbeaten team and will look to extend their lead at the top.DC's Lack of Firepower: Uphill Task to Match Punjab KingsDC have won each of their three games while chasing, but they have also lost three games in similar circumstances. Their best chase was 176 runs against RCB. When targets went above 200, they lost all This contrast in performance shows their lack of firepower. When their bowlers failed to restrict oppositions below the 200-run total, DC's limited batting firepower becomes evident, and the chase gets difficult.Moreover, DC have hit 46 sixes at 15.10 balls per six, ranking 7th in the league. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, has hit 69 sixes at a blistering rate of 8.14 balls per six, the best balls per six ratio in IPL 2026.Also Read: Punjab Kings Star Returns From Home; Rejoins IPL 2026 SquadWicket-Taking Issues Plague Delhi Capitals’ Bowling AttackDelhi Capitals' bowling has generally been their strongest suit, especially in a defensive way. Whenever their bowlers click, they have been able to chase targets. However, they often struggle to contain aggressive teams on flatter or high-scoring surfaces.DC's bowling was exposed against SRH, conceding a massive 242 runs. This underlines a critical issue that is DC's lack of wicket-taking ability. Without regular breakthroughs, defending big totals or restricting aggressive teams becomes increasingly difficult.Statistically, Delhi Capitals currently have the worst bowling average in IPL 2026, 40.25, and have taken just 28 wickets in six games, at the lowest strike-rate of one wicket per 25.4 balls. These are the worst bowling stats across all teams.Key StatsPunjab Kings lead head-to-head record vs DC by 17-16 with one tie as well.Shreyas Iyer has an average of 92.42, including 8 50s in 13 away matches since IPL 2025. KL Rahul has been DC's best batter at Arun Jaitley Stadium since IPL 2025 - 306 runs, 51 average. There has been only 5 wickets taken inside powerplay in 4 innings at Arun Jaitley Stadium this season.Punjab Kings have been the most destructive batting side against pace this season - 11.9 runs per over.Punjab Kings' batting strike-rate in the powerplay has been the best - 182.78DC, on the other hand, has the second lowest batting strike-rate in powerplay - 144.8Priyansh Arya has the best strike-rate in IPL 2025 - 248.23.Pathum Nissanka has a strike-rate of 178.6 against Arshdeep Singh in T20s.Prabhsimran Singh has an average of 10.3 and 106.9 strike-rate against left-arm spin.Punjab Kings has the best performing top-order in IPL 2026 - 49.61 average and 187.5 strike-rate.Lungi Ngidi has an economy rate of 8.31 in death overs this season. Mukesh Kumar has 5 wickets at 8.4 strike-rate in afternoon games at Arun Jaitley Stadium.Possible ChangesWill Cooper Connolly play in DC vs PBKS?Despite some doubts about Cooper Connolly's availability, he is confirmed to be fit and should be part of Punjab Kings' playing XI for their upcoming match against DC.Has Mitchell Starc joined DC's camp for the DC vs PBKS match?Mitchell Starc has been cleared to join the IPL, but he won't be playing against Punjab Kings. He is likely to be part of Delhi Capitals' playing XI against RR.What To Expect?It’s an afternoon game, and Delhi Capitals might feel confident, having won 2 of their last 3 afternoon matches at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Their bowling attack will likely enjoy the hot, dry conditions, but you never know. It could turn into a high-scoring game with solid carry, like the last match where DC nearly chased down 211. Expect plenty of runs this afternoon, especially with both Punjab and DC not having the strongest wicket-taking attacks. Also Read: Will Mitchell Starc Play? DC Strongest XI vs PBKS, IPL 2026, Match 35
