On May 8, the IPL 2025 match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was abruptly interrupted after just 10.1 overs had been bowled, with PBKS having made 122 runs in their first innings. The match was called off with fans, players, and officials looking stunned at the abruptness of the decision, and a cheerleader's disbelief was recorded in a viral social media clip. Just as play was shaping up for a promising finish, the call to end the match may have been premature.

The match was stopped owing to heightened security concerns due to regional geopolitics. It had closed down the nearby airports - in Dharamsala, Amritsar, and Chandigarh - that would have otherwise provided access to traveling IPL teams, including the Mumbai Indians, who were due to arrive for a later match. The BCCI, acting on the safety protocols, had evacuated the ground and arranged for special trains from Una to remove players, staff, and broadcast teams out of Dharamsala. The BCCI would announce the following day if it was able to resume the IPL and made it clear that players' safety was a line item and there was no room for compromise. The crowd's frustration had been eased with PBKS's strong start of 122 in 10.1 overs.

Fans’ Resilience and Enhanced Security Measures Amid Uncertainty

Supporters showed an indomitable spirit when the military personnel evacuated the stadium due to a missile attack warning near Dharamsala and Pathankot. The fans, who were not alarmed, left the venue in an uproarious moment, chanting their patriotic slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" as it resonated loudly around the neighboring hills. This spirit of fearless and resilient pride in the nation encompassed them in solidarity. The courage of the fans informed how they energetically left and chanted "Jai Hind" and "Vande Mataram," turning the moment of unpleasantness into moments of floral national pride.

Watch the videos here

This is what happened at Dharamshala 👇 #IndiaPakistanWar pic.twitter.com/XVYG2pKGss

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) May 8, 2025

As authorities evacuate the stadium after a missile attack near Dharamshala & Pathankot, fans leave with heads held high. 🇮🇳No fear. Just pride. Bharat Mata Ki Jai echoes through the hills. 🙏

Jai Hind, Vande Mataram! pic.twitter.com/31UDWtJXxX

— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) May 8, 2025

Also Read: Is Virat Kohli going to lead the team in the India vs. England Test series?

After the IPL commenced, it was clear the BCCI had already implemented rigorous security measures after the Pahalgam terrorist attack earlier this season. The Vajra Super Shot - an anti-drone system able to detect and neutralize threats within a four-kilometer range—was acquired to secure the stadiums. Despite the IPL's implementation of enhanced security measures, the cancellation in Dharamsala illustrates major challenges in planning, organizing, and hosting a tournament with uncertainties existing outside of such an event. We have already witnessed doubt towards the BCCI and their planning for contingencies if situations such as this occurred. 

Match 58 of IPL 2025 will see Punjab Kings (PBKS), currently third in the standings with 15 points, face off against Delhi Capitals (DC), currently fifth in the standings with 13 points, in a playoff-defining match. PBKS will be looking to secure a playoff spot in the top four, whereas DC is attempting to break in. The Dharamsala pitch has proven to be a batting-friendly surface historically, and the likelihood of dew should have an effect on the match as well, making chasing sides favorites to win today. Buckle up for this one; it should be a high-scoring affair.

Head-to-Head Record
PBKS and DC have met 33 times in the IPL since 2008, with PBKS holding a slight edge:

• PBKS Wins: 17
• DC Wins: 16
• No Result: 0
• Win Percentage: PBKS has a 53.13% win rate against DC.
• At Dharamsala, PBKS have won 3 of 5 IPL encounters against DC, giving them a home advantage.

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs DC Match 58 - HPCA stadium stats and preview

Notable Matches: KKR vs CSK 

IPL 2024, Match 2, March, Mohali

• DC: 174/9 (20 overs)
• PBKS: 177/6 (19.2 overs)
• Result: PBKS won by 4 wickets.

DC scored 174/9, with Shai Hope making 33 (25 balls) and Rishabh Pant's contribution of 18 (13 balls). PBKS got contributions from Sam Curran with 63 (47 balls) and Liam Livingstone with 38* (21 balls) in their successful chase in 19.2 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (2/21) took two wickets for DC but could not prevent PBKS from winning. Sam Curran's all-around performance resulted in him being named the Player of the Match.

IPL 2023, Match 59, May, Delhi

• PBKS: 167/7 (20 overs)
• DC: 136/8 (20 overs)
• Result: PBKS won by 31 runs

PBKS totalled 167/7, with Prabhsimran Singh contributing with a match-defining score of 103 (65 balls), with 10 fours and 6 sixes. Despite getting 54 (46) from David Warner, DC were constrained by Harshal Patel (2/32) and Rahul Chahar (2/16) and could only manage a total of 136/8. Prabhsimran Singh was named Player of the Match after his century, which proved to be the difference.

Also Read: Shocking Update: Will IPL 2025 be cancelled due to Operation Sindhoor?

IPL 2022, Match 64, May, Navi Mumbai

• DC: 159/7 (20 overs)
• PBKS: 142/9 (20 overs)
• Result: DC won by 17 runs

DC contributed with a total of 159/7, with Mitchell Marsh hitting 63 (48) and Sarfaraz Khan contributing with 32 (16). Liam Livingstone picked up 3/27. In reply, PBKS could only manage 142/9, with Jitesh Sharma contributing a top score of 44 (34). Shardul Thakur (4/36) and Axar Patel (2/14) contributed to helping restrict PBKS to 142. Mitchell Marsh was awarded Player of the Match for his all-around performance.

Match 58 of IPL 2025 features Punjab Kings (PBKS) taking on Delhi Capitals (DC) at Dharamsala Stadium. The playoff race is tightening up, and this match is important for both teams. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, are trying to cement a playoff place, while DC, under the captaincy of Axar Patel, are trying to hold onto their good position in the top half of the table.

HPCA Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 13
• Batting 1st Won: 8
• Batting 2nd Won: 5
• Highest Total: 232/2 in 20 overs by Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011
• Lowest Total: 116 all out by Punjab Kings vs Deccan Chargers in 2011
• Highest Successful Run-Chase: 195/4 in 19.4 overs by Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings in 2010
• Lowest Total Defended: 167/9 by Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings in 2024
• Average 1st Innings Score: 184
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 156

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs DC Match 58 - A Head to Head breakdown

PBKS vs DC: Weather and Pitch Report

The forecast in Dharamsala is pleasant from May 8, with temperatures from 20 to 26°C and humidity levels around 50-60%. And with 87% rain chances, a full match is assured. This pitch will favor batsmen with the average first innings score being 169 and good bounce and carry. Batsmen will be off to a great start as the pacers will receive early movement off the pitch, while spinners will develop their action in the middle overs. Dew in the second innings is likely, giving an advantage to the chasing team—expect the toss winner to bowl first.

PBKS vs DC: Match Preview

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are coming off a 37-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants at Dharamsala and are in a good space heading into crucial matches against the Delhi Capitals (DC). Guided by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have benefitted from powerful starts from Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh’s (strike rate 193.79 since 2024) late innings heroics. Yuzvendra Chahal seems to be back in the groove, having taken a hat-trick against CSK, and is at the top of his game, and Arshdeep Singh is sending the ball down with serious pace. More concerning for PBKS has been the inability to be able to finish off games with death bowling as well.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 56: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans Full Match Highlights

DC, captained by Axar Patel, take the field with 13 points and just two wins in their last six matches. Although Tristan Stubbs (240.25 strike rate in the last 5 overs of innings since 2024) and Kuldeep Yadav (economy of 5.94) have performed well, DC will be under increased pressure with their form at the top and form against spin. With no chance of the top 4 qualifying for playoffs, as represented in the table below, this is an all-or-nothing contest at Dharamsala. 

Punjab Kings (PBKS) pulled off a massive 37-run win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 54 of IPL 2025. Led by a magnificent 91 off 48 from Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS posted a mammoth 236/5, along with an important 45 from Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh (33). By getting out quickly in the fashion of Prabhsimran, LSG squandered a massive opportunity that would haunt them for the duration.

In reply, LSG's pursuit never really settled. Ayush Badoni (74) and Abdul Samad (45) battled hard, but the steep required rate and constant wickets killed their ambitions. PBKS bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh (3/16) and Azmatullah Omarzai (2/33), kept things tight.

Captain Rishabh Pant lamented missed catches and strategic misinterpretations, attributing "too many runs" to their loss. PBKS's crisp implementation and coolness guaranteed they remained playoff hopefuls, with LSG's leeway for error dwindling with each passing day.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 54: Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants Full Match Highlights

1. Poor Fielding and Dropped Catches

Prabhsimran Singh, the later Player of the Match, was missed early in the 20–25 run zone. He then smashed 91 off 48 deliveries, and it set the tone for the massive score by PBKS. These golden chances not only let batters settle down but also demoralized the bowling unit. As Rishabh Pant conceded, "When you drop important catches at a wrong time, it pains badly."

2. Expensive Bowling in Powerplay and Death Overs

LSG bowlers had trouble adjusting. Both in the power play and death overs, their lengths and lines were not up to mark. PBKS batsmen, particularly Prabhsimran and Shreyas Iyer, took full advantage of the looseness. Digvesh Rathi and Prince Yadav were especially costly, leaking 89 runs in total from 8 overs. Inability to execute on a true batting surface damaged LSG's chances at containment.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Full Match Highlights

3. Inability of Top Order to Fire

Though Ayush Badoni scored a gallant 74 off 40 balls and Abdul Samad contributed 45 (24), the top-order collapse early on left them playing catch-up. The powerplay failures loaded too much pressure on the middle and lower order, which were unable to push the scoring at the needed pace.

In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter at Match 54, Punjab Kings (PBKS) clashed with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a high-scoring affair that showcased explosive batting and disciplined bowling. PBKS dominated proceedings, setting a towering target of 236/5, which LSG struggled to chase, finishing at 198/7. PBKS secured a commanding 37-run victory. This win bolstered PBKS’s playoff hopes, further intensifying the race.

Punjab Kings Innings

Punjab Kings posed a formidable 236/5 in 20 overs, propelled by Prabhsimran Singh's destructive 91 off 48 balls, that provided a healthy base. 45 off 25 by Shreyas Iyer and Shashank Singh's 33 off 15 supported the inning, while the finishing touches came from Akash Singh (2* off 4), Digvesh Rathi (2* off 4), and Prince Yadav (1* off 4). LSG’s Arshdeep Singh impressed with 3/16, removing key batters, while Azmatullah Omarzai (2/33) and Marco Jansen (1/31) tried to stem the flow, but PBKS’s aggressive batting proved too much.

Lucknow Super Giants Innings

Chasing 237, LSG managed 198/7, falling short by 38 runs. Ayush Badoni’s 74 off 40 kept hopes alive, and Abdul Samad’s 45 off 24 offered support, but their dismissals triggered a collapse. Avesh Khan (19* off 10) and Arshdeep Singh (3 off 16) were not able to do the turnround, whereas Azmatullah Omarzai (2 off 3) and Marco Jansen (1 off 4) got out cheaply. The bowlers from PBKS, Akash Singh (2/30), Digvesh Rathi (2/46), and Prince Yadav (1/43), kept the pressure going, achieving an authoritative win.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Lucknow Super Giants Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 54

PBKS vs LSG: Post Match Reactions

Prabhsimran Singh (Player of the Match): He received Player of the Match for his 91-run match-winning effort, was thankful, and said that the two points were crucial. He pointed out the advantage of taking a dropped catch and making big runs out of it, looking for a 200-plus total after getting a sense of the pitch, which worked in the win.

Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings Captain): Shreyas Iyer was thrilled with the team's performance, complimenting Prabhsimran's great batting and the team's timely inputs. He mentioned the improvement in fielding awareness but emphasized supporting instincts and staying positive to win games.

Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): Arshdeep Singh liked the initial push in the second innings, giving the team a confidence boost. He thanked Nehal for a game-changing catchout, dismissing Mitch Marsh, and laid out their plan to attack LSG's top order, which they successfully implemented.

Rishabh Pant (LSG Captain): Rishabh Pant acknowledged giving away too many runs, aggravated by dropped chances. He admitted making incorrect pitch and length judgments but was optimistic, hoping to win the next three matches to remain in hopes of playoff contention, emphasizing the requirements for more depth contribution from the batsmen.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Full Match Highlights

Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants: Match Scorecard

Punjab Kings Kings – 236/5 (20 Overs)

Lucknow Super Giants – 199/7 (20 Overs)

IPL 2025 Match 54 featuring Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium, Dharamsala, on May 4, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM IST. This contest is important for playoff hopes, with PBKS trying to capitalize on their home conditions and LSG trying to exploit their batting strength on a surface that is historically bouncy with a potential dew factor.

Head-to-Head Record

PBKS and LSG have faced each other 5 times in the IPL since LSG’s debut in 2022, with LSG holding a slight edge:

• PBKS Wins: 2
• LSG Wins: 3
• No Result: 0
• Win Percentage: LSG has a 60% win rate against PBKS.

In their earlier meeting, PBKS registered a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over LSG, led by Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas Iyer. At HPCA, with its altitude and bounce, PBKS will be looking to go after LSG, while LSG will be banking on Bishnoi's spin and their big hitters, such as Pooran, who will have to adjust their game to match the conditions.

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs LSG Match 54 - HPCA stadium stats and preview

Most Important Matches-Involving PBKS vs LSG

The PBKS-LSG rivalry is new, and it has already produced exciting games. Here are the most important matches:

IPL 2025, Match 13 April, Lucknow (Ekana Stadium)

• LSG: 171/7 (20 overs)
• PBKS: 177/2 (16.2 overs)
• Result: PBKS won by 8 wickets

LSG managed to post 171/7 after Nicholas Pooran (44 off 27) and Ayush Badoni (41 off 29) revived their innings following initial strikes by Arshdeep Singh (3/43). Speedily after that PBKS chase proved to be absolutely no problem, with nothing but major help from Prabhsimran Singh exploring with a belligerent 69 runs from 34 (7 fours, 3 sixes) and a quick-fire 52 runs off 30 served by Shreyas Iyer, along with decent help from Nehal Wadhera (43). Not many were able to manage the explosive nature of PBKS batsmen by LSG bowlers, notwithstanding Ravi Bishnoi's (0/30) relatively good performance. Later, Prabhsimran Singh was announced as the Player of the Match winner for his defining performance.

IPL 2024, Match 11 - 30 March, Lucknow (Ekana Stadium)

• LSG: 199/8 (20 overs)
• PBKS: 178/5 (20 overs)
• Result: LSG won by 21 runs.

LSG made a solid 199/8 thanks to the efforts of Quinton de Kock (54 off 38) and Nicholas Pooran (42 off 22) hitting earlier. PBKS had a fine chase thanks to the efforts of Shikhar Dhawan (80 off 50), but only managed to score 178/5 thanks to the bowling efforts of Mayank Yadav (3/27) and Mohsin Khan (2/34), respectively picking up wickets. Quinton de Kock's match-composed innings and contribution were awarded Player of the Match. This was the first time LSG was able to win against PBKS in their ultimate destination to win an IPL match at Ekana Stadium.

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs RR Match 53 - A Head to Head breakdown

IPL 2023, Match 21 - April 15, Lucknow (Ekana Stadium)

• PBKS: 159/8 (20 overs)
• LSG: 161/8 (19.3 overs)
• Result: LSG won by 2 wickets

PBKS finished with 159/8, helped by Shahrukh Khan's late acceleration with a 23* off 10 balls and Marcus Stoinis's bowling (3/21). KL Rahul (74 off 56) led LSG's chase, and Sam Curran (3/31) and Kagiso Rabada (2/34) helped to maintain pressure on LSG's chase. LSG's Marcus Stoinis finished with 15* off 11 balls on the last ball of the final over. Rahul was awarded Player of the Match for his anchoring innings.

Match 54 of the IPL 2025 will feature Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, taking on Lucknow Super Giants, who are captained by Rishabh Pant, at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on May 4, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST. This match is vitally important for both teams, who are far from guaranteed this year to get into the playoff spots. With its stunning Dhauladhar mountain backdrop and high-altitude conditions, Dharamsala promises a thrilling spectacle.

HPCA Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 13
• Batting 1st Won: 8
• Batting 2nd Won: 5
• Highest Total: 232/2 in 20 overs by Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011
• Lowest Total: 116 all out by Punjab Kings vs Deccan Chargers in 2011
• Highest Successful Run-chase: 195/4 in 19.4 overs by Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings in 2010
• Lowest Total Defended: 167/9 by Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings in 2024
• Average 1st Innings Score: 184
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 156

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs LSG Match 54 - A Head to Head breakdown

PBKS vs LSG: Weather and Pitch Report

On May 4, 2025, it appears that Dharamsala will be cool and pleasant for an evening match, with temperatures between 17–23°C (63–73°F) and humidity of around 50–60%. There is a 55–60% chance of rain earlier in the day, but the conditions should have cleared by match time, with no interruptions expected during the game. The pitch should provide a good batting wicket with some early assistance for the pacers, who will be aided by the high altitude and the cool weather. Dew is expected to have a big influence in the second innings to benefit the chasing team. There should be a turn for the spinners, but the relatively short boundaries (60–65 meters square, 70 meters straight) will entice the batsmen to overhit.

PBKS vs LSG: Match Preview

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are performing decently in IPL 2025 with 5 wins out of 10 games, under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. Iyer leads with his run scoring, alongside Priyansh Arya and allrounder and finisher Shashank Singh. Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell provide further experience at the top order, but Maxwell is likely to be out from the IPL. The bowling is led by Arshdeep Singh as well as supported by Yuzvendra Chahal and Lockie Ferguson to compliment the pace and spin. Most importantly, PBKS will be buoyed by their previous victory against LSG on April 25, 2025 (where Iyer scored 67 runs and Singh scored 41*) with Iyer’s batting showcasing the quality that PBKS needs more of. However, since 2013, PBKS has been one of the poorest teams at HPCA stadium and will look to rectify that, gaining ground on LSG, who, although following recent performances (6 wins in IPL 2025 so far under Rishabh Pant), are still a strong team and act contentiously with Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh forming a strong batting core of their team, although Rishabh Pant’s batting continues to be a question. Also, Lucknow needs to adjust to the gripping turf pitches at HPCA Stadium, with Bishnoi spin likely to be a key part of their strategy. Further to increase Lucknow's resilience, they have Shardul Thakur and Avesh Khan to round out their pace attack, and while injuries to Mayank Yadav and Akash Deep will likely test their squad depth, fill-in player Digvesh Rathi has done possibly quite well. Dew could also prove to provide idiosyncrasies for LSG, especially with what looks to be some not experienced or out-of-form bowlers.