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Match Details
Date: 29 April 2022
Time: 07:30 PM IST
Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune
Ball-by-ball commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview:
Two confident sides, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants will lock horns with each other in pursuit of grabbing the crucial 2 points. The game will be played at MCA Stadium in Pune on Friday. This will be the first encounter between these two sides and LSG skipper KL Rahul would be itching to continue his tremendous run of form against his old franchise.
Pitch Report:
The MCA Stadium has produced some high scoring thrillers this season. However, the bowlers will get some swing in the first few overs. If the dew stays away, the spinners can cause trouble in the latter half of the game. The team will again be willing to chase on this wicket.
Team Analysis
Punjab Kings:
Punjab Kings are having a rollercoaster season in this IPL. With 4 wins and 4 losses, the side is sitting at 6th position on the points table. The side is coming into this game on the back of a win and will be hoping to carry on the momentum. However, the franchise is still looking for a steady middle-order. The gamble with Jonny Bairstow down the order has not paid off. Shahrukh Khan is yet to show his true potential. Liam Livingstone has been the only player in the side who has performed consistently.
The bowling department showed a lot of improvement in the last game. The inclusion of experienced Rishi Dhawan provided a much-needed depth in the bowling. Arshdeep Singh has once again become the star of the season for the side and the onus of closing the death overs will be on him.
Lucknow Super Giants:
The franchise has impressed everyone in its debut season. KL Rahul is leading the side from the front as his run-fest at the top has provided a solid foundation for the middle-order. However, the franchise is still trying to figure out the position for Marcus Stoinis. The Aussie all-rounder is yet to find his groove this season and the side will be hoping that day is Friday.
Chameera, and Ravi Bishnoi have been performing brilliantly. Avesh Khan, who had to sit out in the last match due to a niggle, is expected to be back in the game against PBKS and will be Rahul’s go-to man.
Match Prediction
Conclusion:
With LSG having more balanced line-up and having a better win record this season, the KL Rahul-led side is likely to dominate Mayank’s Punjab.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.