Nestled in the picturesque Himalayan foothills, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala stands as one of the most visually stunning cricket grounds in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests, this stadium isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s also been the site of some unforgettable T20 cricket action.
Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a traveler exploring Himachal, this high-altitude venue offers both thrilling games and breathtaking views. In this blog, we’ll dive into the T20 International and IPL records at Dharamshala Stadium, explore its significance, and revisit some of the most iconic matches played here — including the freshly concluded IPL 2026 home games in May.
Quick Facts About Dharamshala Stadium
Location: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
Established: 2003
Capacity: Around 23,000
Altitude: Approximately 1,457 metres (4,780 feet) above sea level
Home Team: Himachal Pradesh (domestic), Punjab Kings (IPL)
First T20I Hosted: India vs England, September 2011
T20 International Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Despite being a relatively new entrant to the international circuit, Dharamshala has hosted a handful of T20 Internationals (T20Is), each offering drama and flair.
🏏 Top T20I Matches at Dharamshala
India vs England (2011) – The first T20I held at the venue. England won by 6 wickets, and the crowd was treated to a thrilling chase in cool mountain air.
India vs South Africa (2015) – A high-scoring game where South Africa successfully chased down India’s target of 200, thanks to blistering knocks by AB de Villiers and JP Duminy.
India vs Sri Lanka (2022) – India dominated the match with top performances from Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, showcasing India’s batting depth and the challenges bowlers face at this altitude.
T20I Records Summary
Record
Details
Highest Team Total
200/5 – India vs South Africa (2015)
Lowest Team Total
112/9 – Sri Lanka vs India (2022)
Highest Individual Score
84* – JP Duminy (SA) vs India (2015)
Best Bowling Figures
4/22 – Hardik Pandya vs England (2017, warm-up)
Challenges for Bowlers: Due to the thin air and altitude, the ball travels faster, making Dharamshala a batsman’s paradise. Swing bowlers get limited assistance, but spinners can benefit from the extra bounce.
IPL T20 Action at Dharamshala
While international matches here are fewer, IPL matches at Dharamshala Stadium have given fans plenty of fireworks. The ground has been a secondary home for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), and they hosted multiple matches here during IPL 2026.
Iconic IPL Moments at Dharamshala
Adam Gilchrist’s Last Match (2013) – Gilchrist signed off his IPL career by bowling a final over and taking a wicket — a rare and emotional moment for fans.
Virat Kohli’s Century (2016) – Kohli smashed 113 off 50 balls against Kings XI Punjab, taking Royal Challengers Bangalore to a mammoth score.
Last-Ball Finishes – Several tight games at Dharamshala have gone down to the wire, making it a fan-favourite venue for thrillers.
All-Time IPL Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Record
Details
Highest Team Total
232/2 – RCB vs KXIP (2011)
Lowest Team Total
116 – DC vs KXIP (2013)
Most Runs at the Venue
David Miller (PBKS) – consistent and explosive
Best Bowling Figures
5/19 – Paul Valthaty (PBKS) vs Deccan Chargers (2011)
IPL 2026 Matches at Dharamshala NEW
Dharamshala hosted three IPL 2026 league-stage matches in May 2026, all featuring Punjab Kings as the home side. All matches kicked off at 7:30 PM IST. Here’s how they played out:
Match 55 | PBKS vs Delhi Capitals | May 11, 2026
Team
Score
Punjab Kings (batting first)
210/5 (20 overs)
Delhi Capitals
216/7 (19 overs) — WON by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Madhav Tiwari (DC) – 18* off 8 balls & 2/40
A high-scoring, edge-of-the-seat contest. Punjab set a daunting 211-run target but Delhi’s Madhav Tiwari starred with both bat and ball, wrapping up the chase with 6 balls to spare.
Match 58 | PBKS vs Mumbai Indians | May 14, 2026
Team
Score
Punjab Kings (batting first)
200/10 (20 overs)
Mumbai Indians
WON by 6 wickets
Key Performances: Azmatullah Omarzai 38* (17) for PBKS; Tilak Varma and Will Jacks anchored MI’s chase. Ryan Rickelton (48) gave MI a flying start, taking them to 59/0 in the powerplay.
PBKS scored 53 runs in the last three overs to reach 200 but MI, despite stumbling to 89/3 at the halfway mark, sealed the win in the final over thanks to Tilak Varma and Will Jacks. This was PBKS’s fifth consecutive defeat.
Match 61 | PBKS vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | May 17, 2026
Team
Score
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
222/4 (20 overs)
Punjab Kings
199/8 (20 overs)
Result:RCB won by 23 runs — and became the first team to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs.
Player of the Match: Venkatesh Iyer (RCB) – 73* off 40 balls Top Bowlers: Rasikh Salam Dar 3/36, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/38
Defending champions RCB dominated this Dharamshala blockbuster. Virat Kohli contributed yet another half-century (his 4th of IPL 2026) alongside Devdutt Padikkal before Venkatesh Iyer took the game away. RCB’s 222/4 is now the second-highest IPL total at this ground, behind only RCB’s own 232/2 from 2011. PBKS, playing at home, fell 23 runs short despite a valiant 50 from Shashank Singh, extending their losing streak to six.
IPL 2026 Dharamshala — Quick Summary
Match
Date
Result
Winning Team
PBKS vs DC (55th)
May 11, 2026
DC won by 3 wkts
Delhi Capitals
PBKS vs MI (58th)
May 14, 2026
MI won by 6 wkts
Mumbai Indians
PBKS vs RCB (61st)
May 17, 2026
RCB won by 23 runs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru ⭐ (Qualified for playoffs)
🏏 IPL 2026 Record at Dharamshala: Punjab Kings lost all three home games here in 2026, extending a difficult mid-season losing streak. The high-altitude ground continued to produce big scores — RCB’s 222/4 on May 17 being the second-highest total in IPL history at this venue.
What Makes Dharamshala Unique?
1. Altitude Advantage
The stadium’s elevation means the air is thinner, which affects how the ball behaves. Fast bowlers often tire quickly, and batsmen find it easier to clear the boundary — as evident from the consistently high-scoring IPL 2026 games.
2. Scenic Beauty
No other stadium offers a backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range, with mist rolling in during day-night matches. This combination of sport and scenery is rare worldwide.
3. Cool Climate
Even during peak IPL months like April and May, Dharamshala’s climate remains pleasant. This helps players recover and makes for a great spectator experience.
4. Cultural Fusion
The Tibetan influence in Dharamshala adds a unique vibe to matchdays. Fans often mix a cricket outing with trips to McLeod Ganj, monasteries, and cafes.
Where to Stay: Hotels in McLeod Ganj or Dharamshala town for easy access
Getting There: Gaggal Airport is just 12 km away; also accessible via Pathankot by train
What Else to Do: Visit the Dalai Lama Temple, Trek to Triund, Explore Bhagsu Waterfall, Café hop in McLeod Ganj
Final Thoughts
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium isn’t just another venue on the cricket calendar — it’s an experience. From roaring sixes that echo in the hills to fans bundled in shawls cheering from the stands, every match here feels special. IPL 2026 added three more memorable chapters to this ground’s story, with RCB sealing their playoff spot under the Dhauladhar mountains on May 17.
Whether you’re watching a T20 International or a high-stakes IPL clash, one thing is certain: cricket in Dharamshala hits different.
Gourav Jaswal is a Dharamshala-based travel writer and the founder of Dharamshala Guide, Himachal Pradesh's most detailed local travel resource. A lifelong Himachali with deep roots in the Kangra Valley, Gourav has spent years exploring and documenting the food, culture, adventure trails, and hidden gems of Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Bir Billing, and surrounding areas.
With over 130 published guides covering everything from the best cab services and homestays to local restaurants and trekking routes, Gourav brings firsthand, on-the-ground knowledge to every article. His writing focuses on helping travellers — both Indian and international — navigate Dharamshala like a local, with honest recommendations, accurate pricing, and practical tips that only someone who lives here would know.
Dharamshala Stadium T20 Records – The Scenic Ground of High-Octane Cricket
Last Updated on May 28, 2026 by Gourav J
Nestled in the picturesque Himalayan foothills, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala stands as one of the most visually stunning cricket grounds in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests, this stadium isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s also been the site of some unforgettable T20 cricket action.
Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a traveler exploring Himachal, this high-altitude venue offers both thrilling games and breathtaking views. In this blog, we’ll dive into the T20 International and IPL records at Dharamshala Stadium, explore its significance, and revisit some of the most iconic matches played here — including the freshly concluded IPL 2026 home games in May.
Quick Facts About Dharamshala Stadium
T20 International Records at Dharamshala Stadium
Despite being a relatively new entrant to the international circuit, Dharamshala has hosted a handful of T20 Internationals (T20Is), each offering drama and flair.
🏏 Top T20I Matches at Dharamshala
T20I Records Summary
IPL T20 Action at Dharamshala
While international matches here are fewer, IPL matches at Dharamshala Stadium have given fans plenty of fireworks. The ground has been a secondary home for Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), and they hosted multiple matches here during IPL 2026.
Iconic IPL Moments at Dharamshala
All-Time IPL Records at Dharamshala Stadium
IPL 2026 Matches at Dharamshala NEW
Dharamshala hosted three IPL 2026 league-stage matches in May 2026, all featuring Punjab Kings as the home side. All matches kicked off at 7:30 PM IST. Here’s how they played out:
Match 55 | PBKS vs Delhi Capitals | May 11, 2026
Player of the Match: Madhav Tiwari (DC) – 18* off 8 balls & 2/40
A high-scoring, edge-of-the-seat contest. Punjab set a daunting 211-run target but Delhi’s Madhav Tiwari starred with both bat and ball, wrapping up the chase with 6 balls to spare.
Match 58 | PBKS vs Mumbai Indians | May 14, 2026
Key Performances: Azmatullah Omarzai 38* (17) for PBKS; Tilak Varma and Will Jacks anchored MI’s chase. Ryan Rickelton (48) gave MI a flying start, taking them to 59/0 in the powerplay.
PBKS scored 53 runs in the last three overs to reach 200 but MI, despite stumbling to 89/3 at the halfway mark, sealed the win in the final over thanks to Tilak Varma and Will Jacks. This was PBKS’s fifth consecutive defeat.
Match 61 | PBKS vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | May 17, 2026
Result: RCB won by 23 runs — and became the first team to qualify for IPL 2026 playoffs.
Player of the Match: Venkatesh Iyer (RCB) – 73* off 40 balls
Top Bowlers: Rasikh Salam Dar 3/36, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/38
Defending champions RCB dominated this Dharamshala blockbuster. Virat Kohli contributed yet another half-century (his 4th of IPL 2026) alongside Devdutt Padikkal before Venkatesh Iyer took the game away. RCB’s 222/4 is now the second-highest IPL total at this ground, behind only RCB’s own 232/2 from 2011. PBKS, playing at home, fell 23 runs short despite a valiant 50 from Shashank Singh, extending their losing streak to six.
IPL 2026 Dharamshala — Quick Summary
What Makes Dharamshala Unique?
1. Altitude Advantage
The stadium’s elevation means the air is thinner, which affects how the ball behaves. Fast bowlers often tire quickly, and batsmen find it easier to clear the boundary — as evident from the consistently high-scoring IPL 2026 games.
2. Scenic Beauty
No other stadium offers a backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountain range, with mist rolling in during day-night matches. This combination of sport and scenery is rare worldwide.
3. Cool Climate
Even during peak IPL months like April and May, Dharamshala’s climate remains pleasant. This helps players recover and makes for a great spectator experience.
4. Cultural Fusion
The Tibetan influence in Dharamshala adds a unique vibe to matchdays. Fans often mix a cricket outing with trips to McLeod Ganj, monasteries, and cafes.
Planning to Watch a Game at Dharamshala?
Final Thoughts
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium isn’t just another venue on the cricket calendar — it’s an experience. From roaring sixes that echo in the hills to fans bundled in shawls cheering from the stands, every match here feels special. IPL 2026 added three more memorable chapters to this ground’s story, with RCB sealing their playoff spot under the Dhauladhar mountains on May 17.
Whether you’re watching a T20 International or a high-stakes IPL clash, one thing is certain: cricket in Dharamshala hits different.
Post author
Updated on May 28, 2026 by Gourav Jaswal
Travel Writer & Dharamshala Local Expert
Gourav Jaswal is a Dharamshala-based travel writer and the founder of Dharamshala Guide, Himachal Pradesh's most detailed local travel resource. A lifelong Himachali with deep roots in the Kangra Valley, Gourav has spent years exploring and documenting the food, culture, adventure trails, and hidden gems of Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Bir Billing, and surrounding areas. With over 130 published guides covering everything from the best cab services and homestays to local restaurants and trekking routes, Gourav brings firsthand, on-the-ground knowledge to every article. His writing focuses on helping travellers — both Indian and international — navigate Dharamshala like a local, with honest recommendations, accurate pricing, and practical tips that only someone who lives here would know.More posts