In the 63rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are set to host Mumbai Indians (MI) at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Both LSG and MI won their most recent matches and are top contenders for the playoffs. LSG defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while MI defeated table-topper Gujarat Titans, courtesy of Suryakumar Yadav’s maiden IPL century. However, a win here will help MI to qualify for the playoffs on its own while it will keep LSG in the race of playoffs. Notably, LSG will be confident heading into their first clash against MI in the ongoing season and the first between the two sides in Lucknow, given their previous record versus MI.
LSG vs MI: Pitch Report
The track at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium has been mysterious. It has supported spinners a lot and a score of 150-160 proved to be match-winning here. In the last six matches at this ground only once a team has been able to chase 160+ targets. The average 1st innings total on this ground is 143 while it comes down to 133 in 2nd innings. This shows that as the match progresses pitch becomes dry and slow. Batting first and scoring 175 would be a key to winning here given the firepower both teams possess.
LSG vs MI: Head-to-head records
The Krunal Pandya-led Lucknow Super Giants will be riding on confidence considering their one-sided record against five-time champions. LSG has defeated Mumbai Indians in their last two games and will be looking to continue their dominance. However, both of those matches were at a good batting wicket while this is at Ekana where LSG doesn’t have a good record.
Total Matches: 2
LSG won: 2
MI won: 0
LSG vs MI: Players to watch out for
#Suryakumar Yadav: Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav had a redemption in the ongoing Indian Premier League. He has been phenomenal in the last seven games hammering five 50+ scores including a maiden IPL ton against Gujarat Titans. He will be key to the victory for both of the teams. MI will expect him to bat deep in a spin-friendly track while LSG will want to get him in cheap.
#Nicholas Pooran: The Carrebian wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran loves to play against Mumbai Indians. He has been phenomenal against them and would like to continue his dominance against the most successful team in the tournament. He has been phenomenal this season too by playing some crucial cameos at the end. LSG will depend upon him considering a weak middle order.
#Piyush Chawla: Star spinner Piyush Chawla has been phenomenal for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing tournament. He is the leading wicket-taker for his team and has been able to surprise batters with his variations. On the spin-friendly track at Ekana Stadium MI will expect him to get some quick breakthroughs and make a game for MI.
#Ravi Bishnoi: Spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been phenomenal throughout the tournament. He is the leading wicket-taker for the hosts and would look to continue his magic with the bowl. Notably, he along with Amit Mishra and Avesh Khan has an amazing record against the top 3 of Mumbai Indians and the team would rely on him to lead the bowling department.
LSG vs MI: Matchups to Watch out
#Rohit Sharma: MI skipper Rohit Sharma has been phenomenal on slow pitches in recent years. He has smashed a T20I ton at the Ekana Stadium and has great numbers here. On the other hand, he has been poor against Ravi Bishnoi, Amit Mishra and Avesh Khan in Indian Premier League. Considering his poor form in the ongoing tournament it will be interesting to see how he carries himself in this game.
#Marcus Stoinis: Star Australia allrounder Marcus Stoinis has been phenomenal for LSG in the ongoing tournament. He has been doing his job brilliantly with both bat and ball. Considering his amazing numbers against MI bowlers especially against Chris Jordan it will be interesting to see how he leads LSG in a crucial game.
