LSG can make it to the top two of points table | AP Photo
The 68th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will see Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) locking horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday, May 20.
Team Previews
Kolkata Knight Riders
With just six wins out of their 13 matches, Kolkata Knight Riders' chances of making it to the playoffs are practically non-existent. However, they have the opportunity to disrupt the plans of the visitors.
The Super Giants are still in the race and find themselves in a must-win situation to qualify for the playoffs. The two-time champions are well capable of playing the role of spoilers in this decisive match.
Speaking of team composition, the players have gelled together remarkably well. The likes of Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy have been in excellent form in the recent matches, and they will be keen to carry their momentum into this match as well.
Lucknow Super Giants
Speaking of Lucknow Super Giants, they are currently on par with Chennai Super Kings in terms of points, with both teams sitting at 15 points. This game becomes a must-win situation for them if they want to remain in the top four and qualify for the playoffs.
Additionally, if the Super Giants are vying for the second spot on the points table, they must closely monitor Chennai Super Kings' afternoon game. They need to ensure that their net run rate surpasses that of Chennai if they manage to beat KKR.
Regarding the team composition, they initially faced challenges in the absence of KL Rahul at the beginning. However, they have gradually managed to form a formidable unit. They won their last match against star-studded Mumbai Indians and will be looking to keep their winning momentum alive.
Match Details
- Date and Time: 20 May, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Live Streaming and Broadcast: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report
Kolkata has experienced rainfall since yesterday, which could result in the ball moving around in this match, inviting the pacers to enjoy the game. Spinners are expected to find success particularly during the middle overs. Overall, it is expected to be a good batting surface and the batters will need to exercise patience before going for aggressive shots.
Predicted Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Jason Roy, Nitish Rana (c), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy
Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock (wk), Kyle Mayers, Prerak Mankad, Krunal Pandya (c), Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Amit Mishra, Ravi Bishnoi, Swapnil Singh/Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran
Batters: Jason Roy, Nitish Rana, Kyle Mayers, Rinku Singh
All-Rounder: Andre Russell, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya
Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi
Captain: Quinton de Kock
Vice-Captain: Nitish Rana
Prediction
While both teams seem evenly matched on paper, Lucknow Super Giants hold the advantage due to their momentum and formidable bowling line-up.
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