The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamshala is set to host its first match in IPL 2025 as Punjab Kings (PBKS) will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants in match number 54 of the season at this ground on 4th May. In the last match between both teams at BRSABV, Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, PBKS stunned LSG with a 8-wicket victory. Now, LSG 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 2025. The ground is scheduled to host three home games of PBKS in IPL 2025, with one against LSG on 4th May, and another against Delhi Capitals on 8th May. The last match at HPCA Stadium this season will be played between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians on 11th May. Let’s have a look at the pitch of this ground for the upcoming IPL 2025 clashes.
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala Pitch Report
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala has a capacity of 21,000 and has hosted a total of 13 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 13 matches played at this ground so far, the team batting first has won eight times, while the team batting second come out victorious on five occasions.
| City | Dharamshala | ||
| Country | India | ||
| First Match | 16/04/2010 | ||
| Last T20 Match | 09/05/2024 | ||
| Matches Played | 14 | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 9 (64.29%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 5 (35.71%) | ||
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 6 (42.86%) | ||
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 8 (57.14%) | ||
| 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 | 241/7 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) | 09/05/2024 v Punjab Kings | |
| 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 | 27.40 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 8.73 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 183.77 | ||
HPCA Stadium Dharamshala Weather Forecast
| Location | Weather | Temperature | Humidity | Probability of Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPCA Stadium | Light rain | 28-31°C | 72-75% | 25-75% |
There are chances of rain in Dharamshala on May 4 and May 8 as both of these dates are scheduled for PBKS’ matches against LSG and DC respectively. Also, one more match will be due at this venue on 11th May between PBKS and MI. During the month of May, there wil be more cloudy days and there are high chances of thunderstorms with a maximum temperature of 18°C.
On May 4, when there is an evening match, there might be a delay, as there are 35 percent chance of showers in the evening. However, the sky is expected to be clear as the time progresses. However, in the next match between PBKS and DC, there will 15-35% 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 Dharamshala Batting Pitch or Bowling Pitch?
The pitch at HPCA Stadium Dharamshala 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.
