LSG Vs PBKS Preview: Will all-round LSG prove too strong for inconsistent PBKS?

LSG Vs PBKS Preview: The visitors need their bowlers to be on song against a strong batting line-up of the hosts.

The 21st match of the Indian Premier League 2023 is set to take place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, where Lucknow Super Giants will face off against Punjab Kings. LSG have won 3 out of 4 matches played, making a promising start to the season. Their most recent win was against RCB, where they clinched victory by just 1 wicket. As they prepare to face Punjab Kings in their next match, they will aim to maintain their winning momentum.

Punjab Kings started their campaign with two victories, but unfortunately, they have now faced two consecutive losses, with their latest defeat being against Gujarat Titans where they lost by 6 wickets. Nevertheless, they will aim to get back to their winning ways when they face LSG in their next match.

LSG Vs PBKS: Pitch Report

The Ekana Cricket Stadium is famous for its black soil pitches that offer an advantage to pace bowlers, making it a favorable ground for them. However, as the game progresses into the middle overs, spinners are anticipated to become crucial players as well. While batting first, a well-set team can score runs comfortably, but during a chase, it can become challenging.

LSG Vs PBKS: Team News

LSG may be considering replacing Kyle Mayers with Quinton de Kock in the playing XI for the upcoming match against Punjab Kings, given Mayers' recent struggles to score runs in the last two games. De Kock, who is yet to feature in a match this season, will be eager to seize his opportunity if given the chance to play.

Liam Livingstone has recently joined the PBKS squad after recovering from his injury, but he was not included in the playing XI for the last match against GT. Considering that he has just returned from injury, the management may decide to rest him for one more match and field the same team that played in the previous game. However, it ultimately depends on the team's strategy and fitness assessment of Livingstone before the next match.

LSG Vs PBKS: Head to Head

Matches – 1

Lucknow Super Giants – 1

Punjab Kings – 0

LSG Vs PBKS: Players to watch

Lucknow Super Giants: Nicolas Pooran

In the previous match against RCB, Pooran delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 62 runs off just 19 balls, which proved instrumental in LSG successfully chasing a target of 213 runs. After such an impressive display, he will undoubtedly be hoping to continue his form into the upcoming match against Punjab Kings.

Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan

Despite failing to score runs in the last match, Dhawan has been in impressive form throughout the current IPL season, and is currently the top run-scorer with 233 runs in four matches. Despite the setback in the previous game, he will be determined to get back on track and continue his excellent form when he faces LSG next.

LSG Vs PBKS: Probable Playing XIs

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: KL Rahul(c), Quinton De Kock (wk), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI: Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan(c), Matthew Short, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma(w), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rishi Dhawan, Arshdeep Singh

LSG Vs PBKS: Match Facts

KL Rahul required 30 runs to complete 4000 runs in IPL.

Deepak Hooda will be playing his 100th match in IPL.

In their previous and only encounter ever, Lucknow Super Giants emerged as the winners.

LSG Vs PBKS: Live Broadcasting

IND: Star Sports Network (TV) | JioCinema (Live Streaming)

UK: DAZN, Sky Sports

AUS: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports