The team of Punjab Kings looked promising as they registered two back to back wins. However, they have been substandard with their batting effort in the next two matches which they lost.
Punjab Kings Struggling To Capitalise
144 vs SRH followed by 153 at Mohali against Gujarat Titans. The team has heavily depended on Shikhar Dhawan for batting substance, it can all change with inclusion of Liam Livingstone who has missed first four matches.
Despite bowling well, Nathan Ellis missed the fourth match. KG Rabada played in his place. Considering the dimensions of T20 cricket and recent form, PBKS should go ahead with Nathan Ellis, who is not only less likely to get for runs but also more likely to get wickets in the middle overs.
Matt Short played a good knock against Gujarat Titans
Sam Curran has bowled brilliantly, he made a match out of nowhere against GT when nothing looked go Punjab Kings’ way.
After showing a few glimpse of his T20 talent, Prabhsimran Singh has bagged back to back ducks. Punjab Kings in general has looked quite unsettled with their batting line-up.
Currently, the team appears to be heavily rely on Shikhar Dhawan for any kind of substance in batting order. PBKS batters have struggled against spinners in the middle overs, rotating strike has been a tough job for them.
Matt Short played well against GT but didn’t have support from the other end. Except Shikhar Dhawan (233 runs), no other Punjab batter has even crossed 100 runs mark in this IPL.
Lucknow Super Giants To Sustain Their Momentum
LSG’s victory over RCB was no less than miraculous because they 3/30 in five overs chasing 213. However, the kind of power hitting LSG has allows them to go after anything.
There is no concern for LSG but KL Rahul needs to uplift his batting strike rate with more intent and attack. LSG has found themselves in a situation where they needed to go with Krunal Pandya in powerplay to stop the run flow.
The previous season’s ace Mohsin Khan isn’t in the team which means Avesh Khan needed to do a big job. However, his economy has been over 11 in last two matches he played, also he was wicketless in both matches.
LSG has inform strong middle order, with likes of Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis and Ayush Badoni taking the course. Amit Mishra and Ravi Bishnoi have bowled well and knowing that, PBKS batters have struggled against spinners, a big match up is on cards.
LSG vs PBKS: What Does Stats Say
Punjab Kings have lost 7 out 8 matches played at opposition’s venue. Last year when these two sides came head to head, LSG successfully defended 153 runs on board.
The pitch will assist bowlers which means both of the teams will go with added all rounders with established spinners. KL Rahul is striking in this IPL with below 110 strike rate.
Quinton de Kock might replace Kyle Mayers who was out for golden duck in the last match. All PBKS spinners combined haven’t even touched 5 wickets mark in IPL 2023, while Amit Mishra alone has lot three wickets in two matches with economy of less than 8.
LSG vs PBKS: Probable Playing IX
LSG Possible XI: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (capt), Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Amit Mishra/Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan
PBKS Possible XI: Shikhar Dhawan (capt), Matthew Short, Bhanuka Rajapaksa/Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, M Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh