PBKS vs LSG Head to Head, Playing XI, Preview, Where to Watch on TV, Online, and Live Streaming Details

LSG have been brilliant so far, having won five of their first eight games.

Updated - 28 Apr 2022, 19:34 IST

3 Min Read

All teams must buckle up as we are heading towards the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Punjab Kings will be up against Lucknow Super Giants in Match 42 of the competition, which will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Making their maiden appearance this season, LSG have been brilliant so far, having won five of their first eight games.

They are on a right track to securing a place in the playoffs and would be raring to add two more points to their tally. On the other hand, PBKS have blown hot and cold this season, winning four of their eight games. They haven’t truly performed to their potential as in terms of the on-paper strength, they are right among the best.

While Shikhar Dhawan has been impressive playing the anchor’s role, his opening partner and skipper Mayank Agarwal has failed to get going. In the middle order, PBKS enjoy the services of dashers Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma has also been a sort of revelation. This is some batting line-up and all oppositions must beware of the same.

In the bowling department, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has been among the wickets. While Kagiso Rabada has been off-colour, Arshdeep Singh has been brilliant in the death overs but doesn’t have much to show in terms of wickets. Notably, PBKS made some big changes in their previous encounter against CSK, which includes the addition of Sandeep Sharma and Rishi Dhawan in the line-up. If this combination works for them, PBKS can enjoy a winning spree.

Coming to LSG, skipper KL Rahul has led from the front, having already smashed two centuries this season. Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda and rising sensation Ayush Badoni have also been among the runs. The biggest strength of this side is the presence of numerous quality all-rounders. Hence, KL Rahul is never short of options while looking for bowling changes. However, quantity can’t make up for quality and hence, the side would want Avesh Khan back in the set-up, who missed the last game amid injury issues.

Pitch and conditions

As we head towards the business end of the competition, pitches are slowing down. Owing to the same, we saw RR defending a paltry 144 against RCB in their last assignment at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Hence, it would be a battle between Rahul Chahar and Ravi Bishnoi. Meanwhile, the average first innings score at this venue is still 153. As the dew factor can’t be overseen, the toss-winning skipper must elect to bowl.

Playing combinations for PBKS vs LSG

Punjab Kings

As Punjab Kings are coming off a win against CSK, they are unlikely to make any changes to their line-up. Having mentioned this, the likes of Sandeep Sharma and Rishi Dhawan need to make a significant mark to seal their spot in the side. Eyes will also be on under-fire Jonny Bairstow.

Predicted XI: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Sharma, Arshdeep Singh

Lucknow Super Giants

As far as the Super Giants are concerned, their batting order looks pretty settled as of now. Hence, there won’t be any tinkering. In the bowling department, Avesh Khan should replace Mohsin Khan if he’s fit and available.

Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), KL Rahul (c), Manish Pandey, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, Dushmantha Chameera, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan/Avesh Khan