The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamsala is set to host its first match in IPL 2024 as Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match number 53 of the season at this ground on 5th May. In the last match between both teams at M.A Chidambaram Stadium, PBKS stunned CSK with 7-wicket victory. Now, CSK will be looking to take revenge on PBKS by defeating them at their home ground.
Talking about the pitch, the HPCA Stadium will be hosting its first match in this IPL. The ground is scheduled to host two home games of PBKS in IPL 2024, with one against CSK on 5th May, and another against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 9th May. Let’s have a look at the pitch of this ground for the upcoming IPL 2024 clashes.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala Pitch Report
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala has a capacity of 21,000 and has hosted a total of 11 matches in the history of the IPL so far. The surface of this ground has enough bounce to favour both batters and fast bowlers. However, with enough bounce and due factor, the ground also favors the batters as the balls come to the middle of the bat perfectly. However, if the team batting first puts up a big total, it becomes difficult for the chasing team to achieve the target. In 11 matches played at this ground so far, the team batting first has won six times, while the team batting second come out victorious on five occasions.
City | Dharamsala | ||
Country | India | ||
First Match | 16/04/2010 | ||
Last T20 Match | 05/05/2024 | ||
Matches Played | 12 | ||
Matches Won Batting First | 7 (58.33%) | ||
Matches Won Batting Second | 5 (41.67%) | ||
Matches Won Winning Toss | 6 (50.00%) | ||
Matches Won Losing Toss | 6 (50.00%) | ||
Matches with No Result | 0 (0.00%) | ||
Highest Individual Innings | 106 | A C Gilchrist (Punjab Kings) | 17/05/2011 v Royal Challengers Bangalore |
Best Bowling | 4/9 | A Mishra (Deccan Chargers) | 21/05/2011 v Punjab Kings |
Highest Team Innings | 232/2 (Punjab Kings) | 17/05/2011 v Royal Challengers Bangalore | |
Lowest Team Innings | 116 (Punjab Kings) | 21/05/2011 v Deccan Chargers | |
Highest Run Chase Achieved | 178/5 (Deccan Chargers) | 16/04/2010 v Punjab Kings | |
Average Runs per Wicket | 27.71 | ||
Average Runs per Over | 8.52 | ||
Average Score Batting First | 179.00 |
HPCA Stadium Dharamsala Weather Forecast
There are chances of rain in Dharamsala on 5th and 9th May and both dates are scheduled for PBKS’ matches against CSK and RCB respectively. During the month of May, there wil be more cloudy days and there are high chances of thunderstorms with a maximum temperature of 23°C.
On 5th May, when there is an afternoon match, there might be a delay, as there are 60 percent chance of showers in the afternoon. However, the sky is expected to be clear by evening. However, in the next match between PBKS and RCB. There will 58% chances of thunderstorm during the day, but the sky is expected to clear ahead of the match in the evening. However, it could still remain cloudy during the the game and we may see showers interrupting the game.
HPCA Stadium Dharamsala Batting Pitch or Bowling Pitch?
The pitch at HPCA Stadium Dharamsala has two sides to it:
- Old Times: It used to be great for fast bowlers, with movement and bounce, making it tough for batsmen.
- Nowadays: It’s becoming more batsman-friendly, with higher scores in T20 matches. Spinners also get a chance to shine later in the game.
Bottom Line:
- Early on, fast bowlers might enjoy the swing and bounce.
- As the match progresses, it’s more about batting, with spinners also having their say.