It’s a clash between the top 2 teams for Match 26 of IPL 2023. Lucknow Super Giants will take on Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
Rajasthan is currently at top of the table with 8 points in 5 games. Lucknow lost their last match but still managed to be at no. 2 in the points table with 6 points in 5 games.
Team Preview
Rajasthan Royals
Chasing a target of nearly 180 runs and losing the wickets of both openers under 3 overs would not be a start Rajasthan wanted. They were on the back foot but a captain’s knock by Sanju Samson made it for the Royals.
Shimron Hetmeyer was the star for RR with his 56* of just 26 balls and the knocks of Jurel and Ashwin were also helpful. Sandeep Sharma picked 2 wickets for just 25 runs earlier in the first innings. Rajasthan would be looking to continue their winning form and claim their 5th win of the season.
Lucknow Super Giants
Captain Rahul is back in form and played a good knock of 74 runs against Punjab Kings in the last match. He didn’t get much support from the other end and PBKS was able to restrict them to under 160 runs.
Bowlers put on a fighting show by taking 3 wickets for just 45 runs but the knock of Sikandar Raza and the finishing touches of Shahrukh Khan paved the way for Punjab Kings. Lucknow will be looking to make a comeback and win their 4th match of the season.
Pitch Report/Venue Report
The match would be played at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Total Matches Played-47
- Matches Won Batting First-15
- Matches Won Batting Second-32
- Average First Innings Score-158
It would be the first match of the season being played in Jaipur. The pitch will be fresh and fast bowlers can expect movement in the initial overs. There is also a good amount of bounce on the pitch and the outfield is also quick. Captains would look to win the toss and bat second citing the previous records on this ground.
Probable Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C & WK), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jorel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder/Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (C), Kyle Mayers/Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Krishnappa Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mark Wood, Avesh Khan
Players to Watch Out For
Jos Buttler
Buttler is the highest scorer for Rajasthan Royals this season with 204 runs in 5 matches. He would be eyeing his 4th fifty of the season and also on becoming the orange cap holder for the continuous second season.
Sanju Samson
After two good knocks in the first two matches, captain Sanju Samson scored continuous two ducks. A captain’s knock in the last match must have enhanced his confidence and he will look to score big against the Super Giants.
KL Rahul
After some low scores, Rahul is back in form. Lucknow may have lost the last match, but the captain’s form would be a big positive for them.
His record against each of the Royals’ bowlers is good and can score big against them once again.
Mark Wood
With 11 wickets in 4 matches, Mark Wood is the second-highest wicket-taker this season. He won the Man of the Match award for his 5 wickets haul in LSG’s first match and has picked wickets in all the matches he played.
Key Matchups
Sanju Samson vs Krunal Pandya: Runs-72, Balls-46, Dismissals-0
Sanju Samson vs Marcus Stoinis: Runs-18, Balls-12, Dismissals-2
Jos Buttler vs Krunal Pandya: Runs-53, Balls-32, Dismissals-0
Quinton De Kock vs Yuzvendra Chahal: Runs-44, Balls-39, Dismissals-6
Nicholas Pooran vs Adam Zampa: Runs-17, Balls-13, Dismissals-2
RR vs LSG Dream11 Team
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team as we are not aware of the Toss Result/Final Playing XI of both teams at this moment.
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