LSG vs PBKS Preview - Match 21

*LSG VS PBKS PREVIEW*

*BUILD UP:*

*A CHANCE FOR LSG TO MAKE IT ALL THE WAY UPTO NO1-*

Lucknow, an all round unit under the command of an aggressive Gautam Gambhir has done what they were expected to do. They are flying high now, after emerging victorious in a close clash versus RCB. Their 2/2 home win record this season should give them plenty of confidence heading into this fixture, given the curators would have prepared another track that suit the needs of the home team well. 

*A STRONG BATTING RESPONSE FROM PBKS IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR-*

Coming on the back of two disappointing batting performances, PBKS would look to correct the flaws and to topple a high flying LSG in an away fixture. A belter on cards should boost some of the dead cells in the Punjab batting group but if a surface favouring the slower bowlers is laid out, we can expect PBKS to slip big time again. Punjab have a chance to join the 6 point club with this win, any mishap should land them back at the same position where they have been stuck for the past few years or so. 

*LSG PROBABLE XI-*

KL Rahul(c), Quinton Dekock(wk), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran, Krishnappa Gowtham, Amit Mishra, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan 

Kyle Mayers registered scores of 0 and 13 in his last two outings and with him hardly bowling, we could see a big swap right at the top of the order with Quinny keeping the gloves and slotting himself right back in. He has been in decent nick and should look to fit in right away. 

Similar to the past games, Amit Mishra will be substituted during the chase not before he himself makes a staggering impact with the ball. His matchup against their skipper and some of the other batters, who have their troubles against spin should prove to be a decisive factor tonight. 

This is KL Rahul’ old franchise and despite LSG playing one entire year in the IPL, PBKS and LSG have clashed just once. Expect Rahul to fire and find some form against some of his old team mates. 

*PBKS PROBABLE XI*

Shikhar Dhawan(c), Prabhsimran Singh, Matthew Short, Liam Livingstone/Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar 

I expect Short to retain his place after his heroics in the last game, becoming one of the few bright prospects of Punjab Kings. 

Living stone was experiencing some discomfort last game, resulting in him not featuring in the match but a fit and firing Liam if available should make his way back into the setup. The balance that he adds to the group is valued and should swap Rajapaksha directly. 

The swing of Arshdeep and the skiddy nature of Sam’s bowling should be key to tackling Pooran, who has been in the form of his life. After his bizarre knock of 63 last game vs RCB, PBKS would be vary of the threat and would look to make their left seamer’s counter the threat. 

*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME-*

*FOR LSG:*
Highest run getter- Nicholas Pooran/Quinton Dekock(if he plays) 

Highest wicket taker- Mark Wood/Ravi Bishnoi 

*FOR PBKS:*
Highest run getter- Shikhar Dhawan/Prabhsimran Singh 

Highest wicket taker- Sam Curran/Arshdeep Singh 

*FOR THE GAME:*
LSG to win and stamp their authority with eight points on board. PBKS to make it 3/3 losses.