Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad will meet in an IPL 2026 afternoon game at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. Pitch conditions at this venue often play a big role in deciding how the match unfolds.
With no dew expected in the afternoon and a slightly dry surface, the pitch could offer a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Mullanpur Pitch Report
The pitch at Mullanpur is not known as a high-scoring venue compared to some other IPL grounds. The surface usually has a light grass cover, which helps fast bowlers during the early overs.
At the same time, the pitch underneath remains dry. Because of this, the new ball may move a little in the first few overs. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down and the ball may start gripping on the surface.
Batters often need to spend some time at the crease before playing aggressive shots. Unlike flatter batting tracks, scoring quickly from the first ball can be difficult here.
Boundary Dimensions at Mullanpur
| Boundary Type | Distance |
|---|---|
| Square Boundary | 63 m |
| Square Boundary (other side) | 70 m |
| Straight Boundary | 72 m |
The ground offers reasonable boundary sizes. Batters can clear the ropes, but good timing is more important than pure power.
Also See : IPL 2026 Points Table Update After RR vs RCB Match 16: Standings, Orange Cap and Purple Cap List
Expected First Innings Score
At this venue, a first innings total between 175 and 190 is usually competitive.
Teams batting first will still aim for around 200 runs, but a score near 180 can often be enough to keep the match balanced.
Pace vs Spin Performance at Mullanpur
IPL data from this venue shows an interesting balance between fast bowlers and spinners.
| Bowling Type | Matches | Runs Conceded | Balls Bowled | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | 7 | 1544 | 995 | 52 | 29.69 | 3/29 |
| Spin | 7 | 685 | 522 | 34 | 20.14 | 2/25 |
Pacers usually take more wickets, especially with the new ball. However, spinners have been more economical and often control the middle overs.
As the pitch dries under the afternoon sun, spinners could become more effective. Players like Yuzvendra Chahal and other slow bowlers may play an important role in the middle phase of the game.
What to Expect in the Powerplay
The first six overs could help the fast bowlers. With a fresh pitch and a thin grass layer, there may be some swing and seam movement early on.
Batters who survive this early phase usually find better conditions once the ball becomes softer and easier to play.
Both PBKS and SRH have aggressive batting lineups. However, reaching a 200-plus score may require an exceptional batting performance rather than being a common total on this pitch.
Overall, the Mullanpur surface usually rewards patient batting and smart shot selection instead of only big hitting.
