LSG vs GT, IPL 2024: Records & Stats at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

In the night clash of IPL 2024's fourth doubleheader, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will host the Gujarat Giants (GT) at Lucknow in what will be match 21 of the tournament. Both teams have two wins in the tournament so far. LSG's two wins have come off three matches, while Gujarat Titans have taken four matches to register their two wins. 

LSG lost their opening game to Rajasthan Royals but went on to beat Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in successive games. With this match, LSG continue an alternating home and away schedule and would fancy their own chances.

GT on the other hand have endured a successive win-loss pattern where they won one followed by losing one. In their last game, they faced Punjab Kings whom they had at the mat midway through the game before being blindsided by Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma leaving themselves unable to defend 200. 

Both teams will be looking to consolidate the momentum after securing another win here. 

Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:

The pitch here in Lucknow is infamously slow and aiding spin. The square was relaid after last year's IPL and at first glance there seemed to be a difference as LSG racked up 199 against Punjab Kings. But still, judgement about the pitch needs to be reserved and no conclusions should be drawn from just one match. 

IPL Stats & Records at Ekana Stadium Lucknow:

In eight matches here, there has been one no result, and five matches have been won batting first. LSG's 199 from the last match pushed the average first innings total to 158. 

LSG vs GT Strategies & Match-ups:

The strategy is apparent in that batting first will be of most help. Also, the spinners will be very helpful in a pitch that is likely to assist them much more than it will assist pace as was evident during the contest between LSG and PBKS as well. The important match-ups for this match are: Mayank Yadav vs Shubman Gill, Ravi Bishnoi vs Sai Sudharsan, and Mohit Sharma vs KL Rahul. 

Player Battles to Watch Out For:

Rashid Khan vs Nicholas Pooran:

In 22 balls, Pooran has scored only 14 runs against the leggie while being dismissed only once. Both these players have been vital to their teams, and this will dictate the flow of the match. 

Mohit Sharma vs KL Rahul:

KL Rahul has faced 35 balls from the veteran while being dismissed thrice. In this time, he has scored 42 runs at an average of 14 and a strike rate of 120. KL Rahul has struggled for form this season and this matchup might make things worse for LSG's skipper. 

X-Factors for LSG vs GT:

Lucknow Super Giants:

Nicholas Pooran has been the biggest reason behind LSG's high scores this season, and he also top-scored when LSG could manage only 173 against RR. So once he gets going, LSG might score even higher. 

Gujarat Titans:

Shubman Gill top scored for GT in their loss to PBKS, his good form will be key for GT especially when they don't have David Miller available, Gill needs to hold the innings together, something he did very well against PBKS at Ahmedabad. With Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar and Wriddhiman Saha blowing cold, GT skipper Gill becomes that much more important.