Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Lucknow on Saturday, in the second half of what will be the first double-header of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. While LSG clinched a playoff spot in their first-ever appearance in the cash-rich tournament, DC missed out on the final four, finishing fifth in what was an inconsistent season for them.
Nearly a year on, Lucknow will once again be led by KL Rahul, the captain, and Andy Flower, their coach. Despite winning 60 per cent of their games in 2022, they ended the season with three defeats from their last four matches, which ultimately cost them a spot in the final.
This tussle between two high-quality sides will be missing Quinton de Kock, Lucknow’s star opener, and Anrich Nortje, Delhi’s frontline pace bowler. Both are currently playing for South Africa against the Netherlands, and will join up with their teammates only next week.
Delhi Capitals will be led by David Warner in the absence of Rishabh Pant, who is out of the entire tournament after a horrific car accident in December. However, doubts remain about their pace bowling, and their spinners and batters may be key to winning this match.
Both LSG and DC have power-packed batting units, but neither bowling department looks as potent as someone of the others in the tournament.
Venue and Time
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. 7:30 pm IST.
Toss and expected conditions
Teams batting first have enjoyed a bit of an advantage in Lucknow. The boundary size at the Ekana Stadium is generally 70 to 75m, which could make it tricky for chasing teams under pressure. The average first innings score at this venue from 6 T20Is is 160 runs.
The pitch offers even bounce for the pacers and is batting-friendly. The weather will be partly cloudy with a high of 28C.
Head-to-Head
Lucknow had a 2-0 record against Delhi in 2022.
Possible XIs and Impact Player Watch
With no de Kock in the line-up, Lucknow could well start with just three foreigners in the line-up if they bat first, and then swap out someone like Ayush Badoni or Nicholas Pooran for Mark Wood when it’s their turn to bowl. Delhi could turn to Ishant Sharma, their veteran pacer, when they bowl first, especially if Mustafizur is not yet available. Aman Khan, their all-rounder, is a good option as Impact Player, and he could well replace Mustafizur or Prithvi Shaw when needed.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): KL Rahul (C), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Prerak Mankad, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi.
Delhi Capitals (DC): David Warner (C), Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, Sarfaraz Khan (WK), Rovman Powell, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman.