HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala Pitch Report, Weather Report For PBKS vs RCB- Match 61, IPL 2026

PBKS vs RCB Weather and Pitch Report [Source: AP]

The Punjab Kings will host the table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, in the afternoon clash of the double header on May 17 at 3:30 PM (IST).

Having lost five in a row after being unbeaten in the first half of the league phase, this is now a must-win match for PBKS, who are 4th with 13 points in 12 matches. On the other hand, RCB, who have 16 points in 12 matches and are on the top of the table, and a win would seal their playoff qualification and they will be in a strong position to finish in the top-2.

Shreyas Iyer has been in a topsy-turvy form lately, but their batting has been putting on par scores, courtesy of the likes of Prabhsimran Singh and the middle order in the past few matches. PBKS' biggest concern is their bowling leaking runs heavily, which they would desperately want to fix.

For RCB, their legend Virat Kohli is coming off a record-breaking 9th IPL century in the last match after two back-to-back ducks prior to that. The bowling line-up is led by the Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 23 wickets at just over 7.5 runs per over. Everyone has chipped in from time to time for them.

As the IPL 2025 finalists collide at the most scenic venue in the country, we take a look at the conditions on offer in Dharamsala.

HPCA Stadium Pitch Report For PBKS vs RCB- IPL 2026, Match 61

(HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala IPL stats)

The HPCA Stadium is a high-scoring venue usually, but this year it has assisted pacers with some variable bounce, and 200-210 has looked like a par score. So far, 16 IPL matches have been played at the venue and 9 have been won batting first and 7 while chasing. However, this year, both matches here have been won batting second.

Considering only D/N matches, the venue has been in favour of the teams batting first with 4 wins in 7 matches. It will have minimal help for the spinners as seen in the above stats, but wise bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal could still extract something from it, especially towards the second half of the match.

Dharamsala Weather Report For PBKS vs RCB- IPL 2026, Match 61

According to Accuweather, the temperature in Dharamsala is going to be pleasant, as compared to the most IPL venues at this point of the year. It is a day match and will be 26°C, with W 13 km/hr wind, which could potentially help the seamers early doors.

There is no possibility of rain, which promises a seamless match of cricket throughout the course of 40 overs and the cloud cover will be 11 per cent.

Conclusion

Dharamsala is a high-scoring venue, which has also been evident in the first two games of IPL 2026 here, where 200+ were chased. So, a similar match will be expected on Sunday afternoon; however, this time around, the dew wouldn't be a factor for the chasing team. 

Overall, considering how important the match is from the playoff qualification point of view, it will be a treat for the match-going fans.

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