IPL 2023 match preview: Punjab Kings v Lucknow Super Giants

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2023 IPL

pkvlsggraphic21042301

What's the match?

Punjab Kings take on Lucknow Super Giants in the 2023 Indian Premier League.

When is it taking place?

The match is scheduled to start at 7.30pm local time (3pm BST) on Friday, April 28.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be held at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.

Who's got form?

Both teams have been wildly inconsistent this season, winning four and losing three of their seven games. Seven on points coming into the game, Lucknow Super Giants start the game ahead on net run rate.

Super Giants come into the fixture off the back of a difficult loss against Gujarat Titans, after failing to chase down 135 to beat Gujarat Titans. KL Rahul struck 68 but at a strike rate of just 111.47, before late wickets for Mohit Sharma and Noor Ahmad derailed the reply.

Punjab Kings come into the fixture on a more positive note after seeing off Mumbai Indians by 13 runs. Stand-in captain Sam Curran smashed 55 off 29 balls to give Kings 214 to defend. Arshdeep Singh made the difference in the chase, taking 4 for 29.

rahulkl270401-min

KL Rahul is desperate to maintain his return to form (ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

What's the team news?

Kings will have to decide whether to recall Kagiso Rabada, who missed out against Mumbai Indians as Liam Livingstone returned.

Shikhar Dhawan has missed the last handful of games, with Sam Curran stepping in as skipper, and it remains to be seen if he returns from a shoulder problem.

LSG will hope to be able to call upon Mark Wood after a period out of the team due to illness. The England seamer, already confirmed to miss the back end of the competition to attend the birth of his second child, has taken 11 wickets in four outings including a record-breaking 5 for 14 against Delhi Capitals.

What's the key matchup?

Kings have impressed with the ball this season with Arshdeep taking 13 wickets at 15.69, with an economy rate of 8.16.

The powerplay battle with KL Rahul will be crucial, with the India batter is among the highest run-scorers in the competition (262 at 37.42) but struggling with his scoring rate. Rahul is striking at 113.91 per 100 balls -  the lowest of the top 28 in the 2023 IPL.

Kyle Mayers will be hoping to make up the shortfall having racked up a strike rate of 150 this term - a return which has kept Quinton de Kock out of the side.

Head-to-head record 

Matches played: 2

Punjab Kings wins: 1

Lucknow Super Giants wins: 1

What's the weather forecast?

A warm day is expected in Mohali with highs of 34 degrees Celsius with temperatures dropping in the evening.

currans270401-min

Sam Curran skippered Kings in their last outing against Mumbai Indians (SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

What are the squads?

Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow (injured, replaced by Matt Short), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa (injured, replaced by Gurnoor Singh Brar), Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (c), Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Charak

What are the possible starting XIs?

Punjab Kings: Artharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Matt Short, Harpreet Singh, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Yudhvir Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mark Wood

What are the odds?

The bookies have Punjab Kings as favourites at 4/5. Lucknow Super Giants are the rank outsiders at 10/11.

Prediction?

Kings are the favourites to take the points from this fixture. LSG's top order hasn't yet fired, with KL Rahul out of form, while Arshdeep Singh looks primed to take advantage.

Where can I watch the game?

In the UK, Sky Sports have exclusive rights to this year's tournament, with matches available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.

Fans in India can watch all the action on Star Sports.

Elsewhere in the world, viewers in Australia can watch the IPL on Fox Sports while in New Zealand, Sky Sport will provide coverage.

Willow TV and Flow Sports will broadcast the tournament in the United States and the Caribbean, respectively.

Fans in MENA can catch the action on beIN Sports while in South Africa, SuperSport have the rights.

If you are watching from the Middle East, you'll be able to view the game on Times Internet.

People from Bangladesh can watch the game on Gazi TV.


Related Topics

Comments

LATEST NEWS

STAY UP TO DATE Sign up to our newsletter...
SIGN UP

Thank You! Thank you for subscribing!

Units 7-8, 35-37 High St, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, LE128PY

website@thecricketer.com

Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.