Overview
The Gujarat Titans responded strongly after a humiliating defeat to the Delhi Capitals, surprising even their most optimistic supporters with a commanding win over Rajasthan Royals, fellow play-off contenders, in the 2023 Indian Premier League. Still top of the table as the league phase enters its final straight, they are once again strong favourites to win the tournament.
The Titans’ Afghan spinners, led by Rashid Khan, skittled Rajasthan for just 118 runs. Rashid, who had been struggling a little this season, returned to form with a three-wicket haul. The Titans’ bowling unit, which includes rising star Noor Ahmad, has taken the most wickets in the league so far, with 78 out of a possible 110. However, they have lost Josh Little to Ireland’s ODI Super League series against Bangladesh.
The Lucknow Super Giants’ batters will welcome an away trip after struggling to score on a sluggish home pitch. The team’s bowling unit has the best collective economy rate of the season so far; Naveen-ul-Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, and Marcus Stoinis have delivered excellent economy rates in away matches.
As the newest franchises in the league, Gujarat and Lucknow are beginning to develop a rivalry.
Venue and time
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. 3:30 PM
Head-to-Head
Lucknow have lost all their three matches to Gujarat, including a narrow eight-run defeat in Ahmedabad.
Expected conditions and toss
The conditions on Sunday afternoon are expected to be hot with temperatures hovering at around 40C. Given that it is a day game, the team winning the toss could opt to bat first with the pitch expected to slow down in the second innings.
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Likely Playing XI and Impact Player
Quinton de Kock could finally start for Lucknow in the absence of KL Rahul, while Alzarri Joseph could replace Little. In terms of the Impact Player, Lucknow could look to bring in Amit Mishra whereas Gujarat might opt for Jayant Yadav as an Impact Player with the pitch expected to assist the spinners.
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (C), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Alzarri Joseph.
Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton De Kock, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Manan Vohra, Krunal Pandya (C), Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Mark Wood.
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