
Sat May 24 00:40:00 UTC 2025: **Punjab Kings Seek Redemption Against Eliminated Delhi Capitals**
Jaipur – The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face the Delhi Capitals (DC) in a crucial match on Saturday at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, seeking to capitalize on a second chance after their previous encounter ended in a frustrating, unresolved situation.
While the Capitals were once playoff contenders, a recent loss has sealed their fate. With all playoff spots now decided, PBKS is focusing on securing a top-two finish. However, even a victory against DC may not guarantee their desired position, potentially making their upcoming clash with the Mumbai Indians even more critical.
Despite DC’s elimination, Punjab Kings are wary of a potentially liberated Delhi Capitals side, free from the pressures of the playoff race. DC’s batting depth and power-hitting capabilities remain a significant threat.
However, PBKS are confident of leveraging its batting prowess, along with the availability of their full overseas contingent. DC’s bowlers will need to bring their A-game to contain this explosive line-up. The Jaipur pitch is expected to favor batters.
**Injuries and Availability:**
* **PBKS:** All Australian players are available.
* **DC:** Axar Patel’s participation is uncertain due to illness.
**Key Matchups:**
* PBKS’ Harpreet Brar is expected to target DC’s left-handed batsmen, Axar Patel and Abishek Porel.
* DC will be hoping that Kuldeep Yadav will turn up to impact the match.
**Probable XIs:**
*Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis(wk), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar/Vijaykumar Vysakh, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
*KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (c)/Madhav Tiwari, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Kumar.
**Additional Notes**
* KL Rahul has scored over 500 runs in seven of the last eight seasons, missing out only in 2023 when he scored 274 runs
* Vipraj Nigam is in an elite company of all-rounders this season with 142 runs at a strike rate of 179.75 and having picked up nine wickets so far.
* PBKS have scored over 200 runs six out of eight times when they have batted first.
The match begins at 7:30 PM IST.