IPL 2023| Key Players Battles To Watch Out For KKR vs LSG
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Marcus Stoinis | Source: Twitter
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 68th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday, May 20.
Lucknow Super Giants are facing a must-win scenario in this game, as their chances of making it to the playoffs depend on a victory. Kolkata Knight Riders, although unlikely to qualify for the playoffs, will be eager to play the role of party poopers and hamper Lucknow's qualification chances.
However, before we delve into into the excitement of this game, let's analyze the key matchups and player battles that will shape the game:
Quinton de Kock vs Sunil Narine:
Quinton de Kock | Source: Twitter
Quinton de Kock has often looked struggling when facing West Indies spinner Sunil Narine. The South African batters has mustered only 49 runs off 51 deliveries from Narine and has fallen victim to him on three occasions in the shortest format of the game.
This sets the stage for an exciting showdown as de Kock is likely to open the innings for Lucknow Super Giants, while Kolkata Knight Riders might opt to bring in Sunil Narine early to exploit de Kock's vulnerability.
De Kock vs Narine: Runs - 49, Balls - 51, Outs - 3
Quinton de Kock vs Shardul Thakur:
Shardul Thakur | Source: Twitter
It's not only Sunil Narine who poses a challenge to Quinton de Kock; Shardul Thakur is another bowler who can prove troublesome for him in the upcoming match. The wicket-keeper batter has managed to score 44 runs off 31 deliveries against Thakur in T20s, while the KKR all-rounder has claimed his wicket twice.
De Kock vs Shardul Thakur: Runs - 44, Balls - 31, Outs - 2
Nicholas Pooran vs Sunil Narine:
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Nicholas Pooran | Source: Twitter
These two players have engaged in some thrilling contests, with each having their fair share of success. While Pooran has amassed 114 runs while facing 91 deliveries from Narine, the star spinner has also managed to dismiss him twice so far in T20s.
The overall picture suggests that the upcoming game could witness either player taking charge. However, given Nicholas Pooran's exceptional form, there is a high likelihood that he will once again put on a masterclass and outshine Sunil Narine.
Pooran vs Narine: Runs - 114, Balls - 91, Outs - 2
Marcus Stoinis vs Shardul Thakur:
Marcus Stoinis | Source: Twitter
Marcus Stoinis has been an unstoppable force in the recent matches, wreaking havoc with his destructive batting. His explosive innings propelled Lucknow Super Giants to a vital five-run win against Mumbai Indians in their previous must-win match.
However, in this game, he will face a significant threat in the form of Shardul Thakur. The KKR all-rounder has effectively contained Stoinis in T20s so far, as the destructive batter could only muster 20 runs off 13 deliveries from Thakur, who has dismissed him twice.
Stoinis vs Shardul: Runs - 20, Balls - 13, Outs - 2
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