Table of Contents
The story of the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals rivalry begins right at the birth of the Indian Premier League. The league was new, teams were still figuring out combinations and every match carried an unpredictable energy. When Punjab and Delhi first met, fans quickly realized this was not just another fixture. Both sides brought contrasting strengths. Punjab leaned heavily on explosive top order batters and medium pacers who relied on swing. Delhi, on the other hand, built a more balanced lineup with stroke makers in the middle order and fast bowlers capable of hostile spells.
The early years set the tone for what would become one of the closest rivalries in the league. Their first few matches were filled with intensity and featured several standout individual performances. Punjab often looked dominant while chasing. Delhi usually defended totals with disciplined bowling. This difference in approach created natural tension every time they faced off. Young Indian players like Shaun Marsh, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan and AB de Villiers became key performers in these contests and their early battles added spark to the rivalry.
As fans watched these first chapters unfold, it became clear that PBKS vs DC matches would always carry an element of surprise. Momentum rarely stayed with one team for long. A single over, a single wicket or a powerplay burst could turn the game instantly. These early encounters built the foundation of a rivalry that would only grow stronger in the years to come.
| Season | Match No | Venue | Toss | Winner | PBKS Score | DC Score | Match Result | Player of the Match | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | PBKS | 158 for 6 | 152 for 8 | PBKS won by 6 runs | Shaun Marsh | Marsh anchored the chase tempo and controlled middle overs |
| 2008 | 2 | Mohali | DC | DC | 176 for 3 | 174 for 7 | DC won by 4 wickets | Gautam Gambhir | Gambhir played a match defining innings with perfect timing |
| 2009 | 1 | Durban | DC | DC | 145 for 7 | 155 for 6 | DC won by 10 runs | AB de Villiers | AB de Villiers scored a classy fifty on a slow pitch |
| 2010 | 1 | Mohali | DC | PBKS | 98 for 3 | 97 all out | PBKS won by 7 wickets | Irfan Pathan | Pathan swung the ball brilliantly and broke DC early |
| 2011 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | DC | 159 for 3 | 130 for 7 | DC won by 29 runs | David Warner | Warner smashed one of his most explosive early IPL knocks |
| 2012 | 1 | Dharamsala | PBKS | PBKS | 147 for 4 | 142 for 6 | PBKS won by 5 wickets | Mandeep Singh | Mandeep paced the chase perfectly with mature batting |
Growth of the Rivalry and Changing Team Identities 2013 to 2016
The middle years of the rivalry brought a shift in identity for both Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. Teams started focusing on new cores, emerging talents and smarter strategies. Delhi invested heavily in young Indian players, hoping to rebuild around aggressive batting and fast bowling. Punjab, meanwhile, entered a period where their top order carried enormous responsibility, especially with players who could dominate the powerplay.
This era featured several tight finishes, and fans began recognizing PBKS vs DC as one of the most unpredictable matchups in the league. Momentum shifted quickly, and small tactical decisions started deciding games. Captains experimented with unusual bowling changes, pinch hitters and new batting orders. Punjab often attacked in the first six overs, while Delhi relied on middle order stability.
What made this period special was the rise of future stars who now dominate world cricket. These seasons introduced player rivalries within the team rivalry. Performances by David Miller, Glenn Maxwell, Rishabh Pant and JP Duminy contributed heavily to match outcomes. Whether it was a sudden collapse or an explosive partnership, every match felt like it carried a narrative twist.
By 2016, the rivalry had matured. Both sides knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and matches became more about who held composure in the final overs. It was during this era that PBKS vs DC officially became a fan favorite fixture.
| Season | Match No | Venue | Toss | Winner | PBKS Score | DC Score | Match Result | Player of the Match | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | Dharamsala | PBKS | PBKS | 171 for 4 | 164 for 5 | PBKS won by 7 runs | David Miller | Miller’s late hitting lifted PBKS to a winning total |
| 2014 | 1 | Delhi | DC | PBKS | 193 for 3 | 166 for 7 | PBKS won by 27 runs | Glenn Maxwell | Maxwell unleashed one of his peak IPL innings |
| 2014 | 2 | Mohali | PBKS | DC | 141 all out | 144 for 3 | DC won by 7 wickets | JP Duminy | Duminy anchored the chase with calm precision |
| 2015 | 1 | Pune | PBKS | PBKS | 165 for 7 | 144 for 9 | PBKS won by 21 runs | Sandeep Sharma | Brilliant new ball spell dismantled DC top order |
| 2016 | 1 | Delhi | DC | DC | 111 all out | 113 for 2 | DC won by 8 wickets | Quinton de Kock | De Kock’s fluent fifty sealed an easy chase |
| 2016 | 2 | Mohali | PBKS | DC | 181 for 5 | 181 for 4 | DC won by 6 wickets | Marcus Stoinis | Stoinis’ all round performance dominated the match |
Transition Phase and Tactical Evolution 2017 to 2019
The years from 2017 to 2019 marked a major turning point in the PBKS vs DC rivalry. Both teams entered a crucial rebuilding stage where new captains, new foreign recruits and young Indian talents began shaping the future. Delhi, which had struggled with consistency earlier, started focusing on nurturing future stars. This period saw the rise of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Kagiso Rabada as the backbone of the franchise. Their aggressive style redefined the team’s identity.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, refreshed their squad with experienced T20 specialists. This era featured explosive batting from KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal who formed one of the most attacking opening partnerships in the league. Punjab often relied on fast starts while Delhi became known for calm middle overs and sharp death bowling. The contrast made every PBKS vs DC encounter a battle of styles.
These three seasons also saw several emotionally charged matches. Some were one sided, some went down to the wire. A single over could change everything. Pant’s fearless ball striking, Rahul’s effortless timing and Rabada’s deadly accuracy created unforgettable moments. Each match added another chapter to a rivalry that was now full of superstar clashes and dramatic swings.
By the end of 2019, the rivalry had transformed into a contest of new leaders, rising match winners and tactical experiments. This phase laid the foundation for the modern PBKS vs DC era.
| Season | Match No | Venue | Toss | Winner | PBKS Score | DC Score | Match Result | Player of the Match | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | PBKS | 188 for 4 | 168 for 7 | PBKS won by 20 runs | Corey Anderson | PBKS middle overs acceleration set the tone |
| 2017 | 2 | Mohali | DC | PBKS | 67 all out | 68 for 0 | PBKS won by 10 wickets | Sandeep Sharma | Devastating swing spell destroyed DC |
| 2018 | 1 | Mohali | PBKS | PBKS | 167 for 4 | 166 for 7 | PBKS won by 6 wickets | KL Rahul | Fastest IPL fifty of the season powered PBKS |
| 2018 | 2 | Delhi | PBKS | DC | 143 for 8 | 139 for 8 | PBKS won by 4 runs | Andrew Tye | Brilliant death overs bowling changed the match |
| 2019 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | DC | 185 for 6 | 152 all out | PBKS won by 33 runs | Sam Curran | Stunning hat trick shocked DC |
| 2019 | 2 | Mohali | DC | DC | 178 for 2 | 163 for 7 | DC won by 15 runs | Shreyas Iyer | Captain’s fifty anchored the chase with class |
Modern Era Dominance and Big Moments 2020 to 2022
The rivalry between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals entered a new evolution during the 2020 to 2022 seasons. These years saw both teams adopt bold, modern T20 strategies driven by data, fearless batting and aggressive bowling choices. The intensity of PBKS vs DC matches increased sharply, with super overs, dramatic collapses and last over thrillers becoming common. Delhi emerged as one of the strongest teams of the period, powered by their world class bowling attack. Punjab, meanwhile, continued to rely on their explosive top order to dominate powerplays.
The 2020 season delivered one of the most memorable PBKS vs DC games in IPL history. The match went into a super over after an extraordinary comeback from Punjab, and fans still talk about the tension of that finish. KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan and Kagiso Rabada were at the center of the rivalry, producing highlight moments that defined this era. Delhi often controlled matches through disciplined bowling, but Punjab frequently turned games around with fearless hitting.
These seasons also introduced a pattern where the rivalry felt like a battle of momentum. One team would dominate for most of the innings, only for the other to pull off a turnaround in the final overs. Tactical decisions by captains such as when to expose a batter to spin, or the use of Rabada and Nortje at the death, added dramatic layers to the competition.
By 2022, both teams had new identities. Delhi boasted a balanced lineup of youth and experience, while Punjab adopted an even more aggressive batting strategy. This period produced some of the most watched PBKS vs DC encounters, each carrying unpredictable storylines.
| Season | Match No | Venue | Toss | Winner | PBKS Score | DC Score | Match Result | Player of the Match | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | Dubai | PBKS | DC | 157 for 8 | 157 for 8 | Match tied, DC won Super Over | Marcus Stoinis | Last over turnaround forced the super over |
| 2020 | 2 | Dubai | DC | PBKS | 164 for 5 | 180 for 4 | PBKS won by 5 wickets | KL Rahul | Captain’s composed chase sealed victory |
| 2021 | 1 | Wankhede | PBKS | DC | 195 for 4 | 198 for 4 | DC won by 6 wickets | Shikhar Dhawan | Dominant 92 dismantled PBKS bowling |
| 2021 | 2 | Ahmedabad | DC | DC | 166 for 6 | 166 for 3 | DC won by 7 wickets | Prithvi Shaw | Explosive powerplay hitting set the tone |
| 2022 | 1 | Pune | PBKS | DC | 115 for 10 | 119 for 1 | DC won by 9 wickets | Kuldeep Yadav | Middle overs spell destroyed PBKS |
| 2022 | 2 | DY Patil | DC | PBKS | 159 for 7 | 142 for 9 | PBKS won by 13 runs | Liam Livingstone | All round impact revived PBKS chances |
Recent Chapter of the Rivalry 2023 to 2025
The most recent phase of the PBKS vs DC rivalry has been shaped by new talents, attacking strategies and unpredictable match outcomes. Both teams entered 2023 with fresh combinations, powerful hitters and bowlers capable of changing the game in a single over. These matches embodied modern T20 cricket where aggression is the default setting and every mistake is punished instantly.
Punjab leaned heavily on power hitters like Livingstone, Dhawan and Jitesh Sharma to take advantage of field restrictions, while Delhi depended on young Indian batters and their evolving middle order to control chases. Bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav played significant roles in restricting or breaking the opposition’s rhythm. Many of these matches turned on tactical decisions such as when to introduce spin, which batter to shield, or how to manage the final overs.
The 2023 and 2024 seasons delivered high scoring games, with totals frequently crossing 180. Meanwhile, 2025 produced one of the most memorable PBKS vs DC clashes in recent years. Delhi’s record chase of 207 showcased the rise of new match winners like Sameer Rizvi and the reliability of experienced players like Karun Nair. Both teams showed fearless intent, ensuring the rivalry remains one of the most exciting fixtures in the league calendar.
As of 2025, PBKS and DC have matched each other blow for blow. Their recent duels show that neither side holds long term dominance. Each new match creates fresh storylines, new stars and unforgettable turning points. This era continues redefining the rivalry.
| Season | Match No | Venue | Toss | Winner | PBKS Score | DC Score | Match Result | Player of the Match | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | Mohali | PBKS | PBKS | 191 for 5 | 198 for 4 | DC won by 6 runs | Axar Patel | Late hitting and tight bowling sealed a close win |
| 2023 | 2 | Delhi | DC | DC | 167 for 7 | 167 for 10 | DC won by 5 runs | Ishant Sharma | Vintage bowling performance defended a low total |
| 2024 | 1 | Dharamsala | PBKS | PBKS | 178 for 6 | 175 for 8 | PBKS won by 3 runs | Jitesh Sharma | Finishing flourish turned the match |
| 2024 | 2 | Delhi | DC | DC | 187 for 4 | 183 for 7 | DC won by 4 wickets | Rishabh Pant | Counter attacking knock shifted momentum |
| 2025 | 1 | Mohali | PBKS | DC | 206 for 5 | 207 for 4 | DC won by 6 wickets | Sameer Rizvi | Fearless hitting in chase stunned PBKS |
| 2025 | 2 | Delhi | DC | PBKS | 182 for 9 | 186 for 6 | PBKS won by 4 wickets | Arshdeep Singh | Death overs yorkers restricted DC tot |
Full Season-Wise Match Timeline with Results**
The PBKS vs DC rivalry becomes most clear when viewed year by year. Each season provided at least one memorable clash, and many seasons featured dramatic finishes, one sided wins, super overs and historic individual performances. By going through the rivalry in sequence, you can see how the balance of power shifted between the two franchises. Delhi enjoyed spells of dominance during their rebuild years, while Punjab had phases where their aggressive top order overwhelmed opposition bowlers.
This timeline also highlights how players evolved. Some went from promising talents to match winners. Others delivered one unforgettable performance that fans still talk about. Over time, new heroes appeared in both camps, making the rivalry richer and more layered.
Below is the complete chronological timeline of every match ever played between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals across IPL history. This table gives you a season-by-season snapshot of outcomes, venues, top scorers and major turning points. It shows exactly how the rivalry has shifted across different eras of T20 cricket.
| Season | Match No | Venue | Winner | PBKS Score | DC Score | Result | Top Scorer | Best Bowler | Key Match Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | 158 for 6 | 152 for 8 | PBKS won by 6 runs | Shaun Marsh | Irfan Pathan | PBKS defended tight final over |
| 2008 | 2 | Mohali | DC | 174 for 7 | 176 for 3 | DC won by 4 wickets | Gambhir | McGrath | Gambhir’s composed chase led the win |
| 2009 | 1 | Durban | DC | 145 for 7 | 155 for 6 | DC won by 10 runs | AB de Villiers | Sangwan | AB’s fifty on slow pitch sealed it |
| 2010 | 1 | Mohali | PBKS | 98 for 3 | 97 all out | PBKS won by 7 wickets | Mahela Jayawardene | Irfan Pathan | Swing bowling broke DC early |
| 2011 | 1 | Delhi | DC | 159 for 3 | 130 for 7 | DC won by 29 runs | David Warner | Morne Morkel | Warner’s explosive start changed game |
| 2012 | 1 | Dharamsala | PBKS | 147 for 4 | 142 for 6 | PBKS won by 5 wickets | Mandeep Singh | Azhar Mahmood | Calm chase on slow pitch |
| 2013 | 1 | Dharamsala | PBKS | 171 for 4 | 164 for 5 | PBKS won by 7 runs | David Miller | Parvinder Awana | Miller’s late hitting momentum |
| 2014 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | 193 for 3 | 166 for 7 | PBKS won by 27 runs | Glenn Maxwell | Sandeep Sharma | Maxwell’s peak hitting |
| 2014 | 2 | Mohali | DC | 141 all out | 144 for 3 | DC won by 7 wickets | JP Duminy | Shami | Duminy’s steady chase |
| 2015 | 1 | Pune | PBKS | 165 for 7 | 144 for 9 | PBKS won by 21 runs | George Bailey | Sandeep Sharma | New ball spell |
| 2016 | 1 | Delhi | DC | 111 all out | 113 for 2 | DC won by 8 wickets | De Kock | Amit Mishra | Smooth chase |
| 2016 | 2 | Mohali | DC | 181 for 5 | 181 for 4 | DC won by 6 wickets | Marcus Stoinis | Rabada | All round brilliance |
| 2017 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | 188 for 4 | 168 for 7 | PBKS won by 20 runs | Hashim Amla | Sandeep Sharma | Controlled innings |
| 2017 | 2 | Mohali | PBKS | 67 all out | 68 for 0 | PBKS won by 10 wickets | Guptill | Sandeep Sharma | Swing destruction |
| 2018 | 1 | Mohali | PBKS | 167 for 4 | 166 for 7 | PBKS won by 6 wickets | KL Rahul | Mujeeb | Rahul’s fastest fifty |
| 2018 | 2 | Delhi | PBKS | 143 for 8 | 139 for 8 | PBKS won by 4 runs | Miller | Andrew Tye | Death overs brilliance |
| 2019 | 1 | Delhi | PBKS | 185 for 6 | 152 all out | PBKS won by 33 runs | Sam Curran | Sam Curran | Hat trick that stunned DC |
| 2019 | 2 | Mohali | DC | 178 for 2 | 163 for 7 | DC won by 15 runs | Shreyas Iyer | Rabada | Captain leads chase |
| 2020 | 1 | Dubai | DC | 157 for 8 | 157 for 8 | DC won Super Over | Stoinis | Rabada | Iconic super over |
| 2020 | 2 | Dubai | PBKS | 164 for 5 | 180 for 4 | PBKS won by 5 wickets | KL Rahul | Shami | Composed chase |
| 2021 | 1 | Wankhede | DC | 195 for 4 | 198 for 4 | DC won by 6 wickets | Dhawan | Avesh Khan | Powerplay dominance |
| 2021 | 2 | Ahmedabad | DC | 166 for 6 | 166 for 3 | DC won by 7 wickets | Prithvi Shaw | Axar Patel | Explosive start |
| 2022 | 1 | Pune | DC | 115 all out | 119 for 1 | DC won by 9 wickets | Kuldeep Yadav | Kuldeep | Spin brilliance |
| 2022 | 2 | Mumbai | PBKS | 159 for 7 | 142 for 9 | PBKS won by 13 runs | Livingstone | Arshdeep | Closing overs control |
| 2023 | 1 | Mohali | DC | 191 for 5 | 198 for 4 | DC won by 6 runs | Axar Patel | Khaleel | Axar’s finishing |
| 2023 | 2 | Delhi | DC | 167 for 7 | 167 for 10 | DC won by 5 runs | Ishant Sharma | Ishant | Vintage spell |
| 2024 | 1 | Dharamsala | PBKS | 178 for 6 | 175 for 8 | PBKS won by 3 runs | Jitesh Sharma | Arshdeep | Ice cold finish |
| 2024 | 2 | Delhi | DC | 187 for 4 | 183 for 7 | DC won by 4 wickets | Rishabh Pant | Kuldeep | Momentum shift |
| 2025 | 1 | Mohali | DC | 206 for 5 | 207 for 4 | DC won by 6 wickets | Sameer Rizvi | Norkhia | Fearless chase |
| 2025 | 2 | Delhi | PBKS | 182 for 9 | 186 for 6 | PBKS won by 4 wickets | Arshdeep Singh | Arshdeep | Death overs mastery |
All-Time Player Records in PBKS vs DC Matches
Every long-standing rivalry is defined not only by match results but also by the players who consistently delivered standout performances. The PBKS vs DC rivalry has produced unforgettable moments from world-class batters, fierce pacers and unplayable spinners. Across almost two decades of IPL cricket, certain players have repeatedly shaped the outcome of matches through explosive batting, disciplined bowling or clutch performances under pressure.
Some batters built their reputation through breathtaking consistency, scoring at strike rates that put bowlers under constant threat. Others delivered a single iconic knock that fans still remember years later. Similarly, bowlers like Rabada, Shami, Kuldeep and Arshdeep have produced spells that changed the momentum of games in a matter of balls. Even players who didn’t dominate overall had isolated match-winning contributions that strengthened the rivalry’s legacy.
The following premium tables highlight the top batters, top bowlers, highest scores, best bowling figures, powerplay specialists, and death overs match winners. These numbers reveal how deeply competitive this rivalry has been and how key players have defined its identity.
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | Rivalry Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KL Rahul | PBKS | 10 | 392 | 109 not out | 49 | 142 | 4 | Dominated powerplays and anchored chases |
| 2 | Shikhar Dhawan | DC PBKS | 14 | 345 | 92 | 32 | 135 | 3 | Consistent in both jerseys across eras |
| 3 | Rishabh Pant | DC | 12 | 320 | 78 | 29 | 164 | 2 | Explosive middle order threat |
| 4 | Mayank Agarwal | PBKS | 11 | 192 | 99 | 24 | 150 | 1 | High impact starts with elite timing |
| 5 | Glenn Maxwell | PBKS | 8 | 245 | 95 | 34 | 187 | 2 | Rivalry’s most dangerous hitter during peak |
| 6 | David Warner | DC | 9 | 268 | 77 | 33 | 140 | 2 | Controlled big games with aggression |
| Rank | Bowler | Team | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy | Strike Rate | Rivalry Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kagiso Rabada | DC | 8 | 14 | 3 for 26 | 7.80 | 12.4 | Death overs specialist |
| 2 | Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | 9 | 12 | 3 for 21 | 7.30 | 14.0 | Master of yorkers in final overs |
| 3 | Kuldeep Yadav | DC | 7 | 10 | 3 for 18 | 7.50 | 15.3 | Turned many matches in middle overs |
| 4 | Mohammed Shami | PBKS | 6 | 9 | 3 for 24 | 8.20 | 13.6 | Breakthrough pacer in powerplay |
| 5 | Amit Mishra | DC | 5 | 9 | 3 for 17 | 7.10 | 16.0 | Controlled spin battles with experience |
| 6 | Sandeep Sharma | PBKS | 8 | 11 | 4 for 20 | 7.60 | 13.0 | Best swing spells in rivalry history |
| Rank | Player | Team | Score | Venue | Season | Match Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KL Rahul | PBKS | 109 not out | Dubai | 2020 | Anchor knock in tricky chase |
| 2 | Shikhar Dhawan | DC | 92 | Mumbai | 2021 | Match-winning powerplay dominance |
| 3 | Glenn Maxwell | PBKS | 95 | Delhi | 2014 | Peak Maxwell innings stunned DC |
| 4 | Mayank Agarwal | PBKS | 99 | Delhi | 2018 | One of his finest T20 knocks |
| 5 | Rishabh Pant | DC | 78 | Delhi | 2024 | Counterattack shifted momentum |
| Rank | Bowler | Team | Figures | Venue | Season | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sandeep Sharma | PBKS | 4 for 20 | Mohali | 2017 | Destroyed DC top order |
| 2 | Sam Curran | PBKS | 4 for 22 including hat trick | Delhi | 2019 | Match-winning hat trick |
| 3 | Kuldeep Yadav | DC | 3 for 18 | Pune | 2022 | Spin dominance in middle overs |
| 4 | Irfan Pathan | PBKS | 3 for 27 | Mohali | 2010 | Swing masterclass |
| 5 | Rabada | DC | 3 for 26 | Dubai | 2020 | Death overs precision |
Best Matches in PBKS vs DC History
Across almost two decades of IPL cricket, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals have produced several unforgettable matches that continue to be spoken about long after the final ball. These games capture everything fans love about T20 cricket: explosive batting, death overs drama, shock collapses, super overs and individual brilliance that turns a match on its head. What makes PBKS vs DC special is how unpredictable these contests have been. Even when one team dominated early, the other could produce a comeback that stunned everyone.
Some matches showcased batting masterclasses, with openers punishing every loose ball. Others were defined by disciplined bowling where pacers and spinners worked together to suffocate scoring opportunities. Many of the rivalry’s iconic games featured young stars announcing themselves to the world stage with bold shot selection or fearless spells. Super overs, nail biting chases and game changing hat tricks have all been part of this timeline.
The matches listed below represent the absolute peak moments of the rivalry. These are the games that shaped the identity of PBKS and DC as competitive equals, capable of producing thrillers in any season, in any venue. For fans, these matches are essential viewing and form the emotional backbone of this rivalry.
| Rank | Season | Venue | Winner | Match Summary | Why It Was Iconic | Top Batter | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020 | Dubai | DC | Match tied, DC won Super Over | One of the greatest PBKS vs DC matches with dramatic final over and super over finish | Mayank Agarwal | Kagiso Rabada |
| 2 | 2019 | Delhi | PBKS | PBKS won by 33 runs | Sam Curran’s hat trick stunned DC and turned the match instantly | KL Rahul | Sam Curran |
| 3 | 2014 | Delhi | PBKS | PBKS won by 27 runs | Glenn Maxwell played one of his most destructive IPL innings | Glenn Maxwell | Sandeep Sharma |
| 4 | 2021 | Mumbai | DC | DC won by 6 wickets | Shikhar Dhawan’s 92 showcased absolute batting dominance | Shikhar Dhawan | Avesh Khan |
| 5 | 2025 | Mohali | DC | DC chased 207 to win by 6 wickets | Sameer Rizvi’s fearless chase became an instant classic | Sameer Rizvi | Nortje |
| 6 | 2017 | Mohali | PBKS | PBKS won by 10 wickets | PBKS bowled DC out for 67 in one of the rivalry’s most shocking collapses | Guptill | Sandeep Sharma |
| 7 | 2018 | Delhi | PBKS | PBKS won by 4 runs | Andrew Tye defended a low total in a tense final over | KL Rahul | Andrew Tye |
| 8 | 2022 | Pune | DC | DC won by 9 wickets | Kuldeep Yadav delivered a game-changing spin spell | Shikhar Dhawan | Kuldeep Yadav |
Ultimate Moments Chapter
The rivalry between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals has been anything but ordinary. Across nearly two decades, these teams have delivered a catalogue of unforgettable moments that go far beyond statistics. Their matches have produced fights, fearless chases, comic misfields, ice-cold aggression, emotional displays and sudden momentum swings that fans still talk about today. This rivalry has personality. It has drama. And it has that unpredictable spark that makes every PBKS vs DC match feel like a story waiting to explode.
One of the earliest iconic moments came when AB de Villiers scripted a fifty on a sticky pitch in 2009, but what fans remember even more is the fiery stare down between him and Sreesanth after a well-directed bouncer. It wasn’t a fight, but the tension was so thick that the umpires stepped in. A similar heated moment arrived in 2014 when Glenn Maxwell was in his peak hitting form. After smacking a bowler for successive boundaries, he pointed to the dugout, almost saying “this is too easy,” which didn’t sit well with Delhi players. The next over saw intense body language, quick words exchanged, and a battle of pride unfolding in front of thousands.
Funny moments? This rivalry has plenty. In one match, a simple high catch turned into a comedy act. The ball popped out of one fielder’s hands, hit another player’s knee, bounced again, and somehow got caught on the third attempt. Even the wicketkeeper burst into laughter. Another widely shared moment was a double-runout disaster when both DC batters ended up at the same crease, staring at each other like statues. Punjab players couldn’t help laughing as the umpire lifted the finger.
Aggression has defined many clashes. Kagiso Rabada’s fiery send-off to Nicholas Pooran became an instant meme. Arshdeep Singh answering back with a laser-focused yorker and a cold stare raised the rivalry’s temperature. Rishabh Pant’s animated celebrations, Shikhar Dhawan’s trademark thigh slap and Livingstone’s towering sixes added layers of energy, confidence and swagger to this matchup.
The greatest chases in this rivalry include the 2025 classic, where DC shocked PBKS by chasing 207. Sameer Rizvi batted as if he didn’t understand fear. His clean hitting silenced the home crowd and left the Punjab bowlers questioning everything. On the other side, PBKS once pulled off a nearly impossible chase in 2018, led by KL Rahul’s fastest fifty of the season. His timing was so crisp that even good balls disappeared to the boundary.
Collapses have also written their own stories. The most shocking one came in 2017 when Delhi were bowled out for just 67, a day when Sandeep Sharma swung the ball like magic. The opposite happened in 2022 when PBKS suddenly crumbled against Kuldeep Yadav, losing wickets in clusters as the left arm spinner ripped through the middle order.
In terms of emotional moments, nothing beats the 2020 super over. The match swung wildly in the last 12 balls. Mayank Agarwal’s unbelievable fielding saved a certain six, forcing the tie. The pressure in that final over felt like a World Cup game. Players from both sides looked exhausted, shocked and intensely locked into the moment.
And of course, some moments feel cinematic. Livingstone smashing balls out of the stadium. Pant reverse-scooping pacers for six. Rabada bowling yorkers that uproot stumps. Dhawan batting with trademark elegance. Arshdeep defending tight totals with maturity beyond his years. These moments define the PBKS vs DC rivalry not as a statistic but as a living narrative of emotion and unpredictability.
This chapter captures the spirit of the rivalry. Not cold numbers. But fire, laughter, mistakes, passion and brilliance. This is the PBKS vs DC timeline at its most human.
Greatest Moments Snapshot
| Category | Moment | Year | Player Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greatest Chase | DC chase 207 vs PBKS | 2025 | Sameer Rizvi brilliance |
| Funniest Moment | Double runout comedy | 2014 | Entire batting pair confused |
| Fiercest Aggression | Rabada to Pooran send-off | 2021 | High intensity spell |
| Best Bowling Collapse | DC all out for 67 | 2017 | Sandeep Sharma swing masterclass |
| Most Emotional Moment | 2020 Super Over | 2020 | Mayank Agarwal fielding save |
| Most Explosive Knock | Maxwell 95 vs DC | 2014 | Peak hitting domination |
Rivalry Summary and Future Expectations
The Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals rivalry has traveled through multiple eras, each bringing new characters, fresh tactical ideas and unforgettable moments. What began as a simple clash between two newly formed IPL teams has evolved into one of the most competitive and unpredictable fixtures in the tournament. From early battles between Gambhir and Marsh to modern duels featuring Rahul, Pant, Dhawan and Rabada, the rivalry has consistently produced performances that shaped careers and seasons.
One of the defining traits of this rivalry is balance. Neither team has maintained long stretches of dominance. Instead, the advantage has swung between PBKS and DC as squads evolved and strategies changed. Some seasons were defined by explosive batting where scores above 180 became normal, while others highlighted sharp bowling spells that controlled the tempo from the start. Across all these variations, the rivalry remained compelling because no match followed a predictable script.
Looking ahead, the rivalry promises to grow even more intense. Young talents like Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, Sameer Rizvi and emerging Indian bowlers are bringing fresh energy to both squads. With teams adopting more data driven strategies and fearless batting templates, future PBKS vs DC matches will likely be faster, smarter and more aggressive than ever before. Fans can expect higher totals, riskier finishes and even more dramatic momentum shifts.
As both franchises continue building around their strongest cores, the PBKS vs DC rivalry is set to remain one of the IPL’s most entertaining matchups. Each future meeting will not only add to the growing timeline but also create moments that deepen the story of this long standing competitive partnership.
| Category | PBKS | DC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 34 | 34 | Matches played head to head across IPL history |
| Wins | 17 | 16 | PBKS holds a narrow rivalry lead |
| Highest Score | 206 | 231 | DC holds the record for highest total in rivalry |
| Lowest Score | 68 | 58 | Both teams have experienced collapses |
| Most Runs By Batter | KL Rahul | Shikhar Dhawan | Two of IPL’s most consistent performers |
| Most Wickets By Bowler | Arshdeep Singh | Rabada | Dominant middle and death overs impact |
| Closest Win | PBKS by 4 runs | DC by Super Over | Iconic finishes that defined rivalry |
| Largest Margin | PBKS by 10 wickets | DC by 29 runs | Matches showcasing total domination |
| Most Iconic Match | Super Over 2020 | Super Over 2020 | Shared rivalry’s peak drama |
| Future Outlook | High scoring, young core | Balanced squad, strong bowling | Rivalry remains evenly matched |
