LSG and PBKS Hope to Rise Above the Middle Mess

Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings are experiencing inconsistency as they are not currently in a position of ascension nor decline.

As expected, in a congested points table, they are positioned in the middle alongside Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, with only Net Run Rate differentiating them.

On Thursday (April 27), Rajasthan Royals will have an opportunity to distinguish themselves from LSG and PBKS, who will be hoping to do the same on Friday (April 28) when they face off against each other.

Both teams have won four of their seven games and are eager to break away from the mediocrity of the middle and rise to the ranks of Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings.

Both teams have made their way to Mohali for their upcoming match following contrasting performances in their previous games.

LSG relinquished a dominant position at home, losing to GT in a thrilling low-scoring match, while PBKS maintained their composure in a high-scoring encounter against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

Based on the last three matches held at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, it is anticipated that scores will be moderate, with par totals ranging from 150 to 170.

This should suit the playing style of KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers, even though it may not necessarily benefit their respective teams.

One team is concerned about the impressive form of their captain, while the other is struggling with the absence of their injured skipper – Shikhar Dhawan.

In his absence, Prabhsimran Singh, Atharva Taide, and Harpreet Bhatia, the Indian domestic batters, have made useful contributions.

However, their batting performance is not at its best, especially with the foreign players yet to consistently dominate.

The upcoming match between Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 7:30 PM IST at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.

The weather is expected to be cool with cloudy conditions. With the exception of the opening game in which PBKS scored 191, most teams have posted scores ranging from 150-175.

Punjab Kings have been without the services of Shikhar Dhawan and Kagiso Rabada in recent games, and there is no update on their availability.

In terms of tactics and matchups, Kyle Mayers has had a difficult time facing left-arm pace this season, with a strike rate of 87.88.

PBKS can use Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh to keep the left-hander under control during the powerplay.

The probable playing XI for PBKS includes Atharva Taide, Matthew Short, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, and Arshdeep Singh.

Depending on the toss outcome, Prabhsimran Singh or Arshdeep Singh could be used as the impact substitute.

Mark Wood has been absent from the Lucknow Super Giants side for a few games, and there is no update on his injury status.

In terms of tactics and matchups, Nicholas Pooran has been extremely successful against left-arm pacers, with a strike rate of 189.38.

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इंडिया नॅशनल क्रिकेट टीम

It will be interesting to see how he performs against the duo of Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran in the death overs.

The probable playing XI for LSG includes KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers/Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Naveen-ul-Haq, Shivam Mavi, Ravi Bishnoi, and Avesh Khan.

Depending on whether LSG bat or bowl first, K Gowtham or Amit Mishra could be used as the impact substitute by swapping them with Ayush Badoni.

Did you know that Quinton de Kock has scored two fifties in two IPL games at Mohali, striking at a rate of 162.32? Although he has yet to play a game this season.

In a recent statement, PBKS’ stand-in captain, Sam Curran, expressed his appreciation for the team’s support and management, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and not placing too much pressure on themselves.

Meanwhile, LSG skipper, KL Rahul, after the loss against Gujarat Titans, stated that he was unsure where things went wrong and that losing two points was just part of cricket, but there is still a long way to go in the tournament.