GT set to take on LSG [iplt20.com]
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will aim for a strong performance in their upcoming match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on May 7, following a rain-affected game in which they shared a point with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Team Preview: Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans triumphed over Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a 9-wicket victory in their previous match. They restricted their opponents to 118 runs while bowling first, with Rashid Khan taking 3 wickets for only 14 runs in his 4 overs. Noor Ahmad, another spinner from Afghanistan, also contributed 2 wickets.
The Titans' top order batters made easy work of the chase, reaching the target within 14 overs with only 1 wicket lost. Wriddhiman Saha scored an unbeaten 41 runs, while captain Hardik Pandya smashed 39 runs in just 15 balls.
GT’s success in this season can be credited to their strong batting line-up and impressive bowling attack. For the game against LSG, Joshua Little will not be available and it will be interesting to see which player will replace him in the playing XI.
Team Preview: Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants' last two matches resulted in a solitary point against CSK due to rain and an 18-run loss to RCB in a high-voltage encounter. LSG's bowlers shone in the RCB match, restricting their opponents to 126 runs with Naveen ul Haq taking three wickets, and Ravi Bishnoi and Amit Mishra taking two each.
However, the LSG batsmen struggled to chase down the target on a tough pitch. The highest scorer for LSG was Krishnappa Gowtham with 23 runs. Unfortunately, LSG will be without their captain KL Rahul for the rest of the league due to a hamstring injury. Deepak Hooda is likely to come in place of Karan Sharma in the playing XI.
Even Avesh Khan can be considered for this game. If he comes in, Krishnappa Gowtham will have to make way for him.
Match Details
Date & Time: May 7, 03:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming and Broadcasting: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The pitch has a reputation for providing favorable bounce, making it advantageous for bowlers who rely on hitting the pitch hard. Historically, the average score in the first innings of matches played at this venue has been around 166 runs, and teams chasing have had an edge. Therefore, the team winning the toss would prefer to bat second.
Probable Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Abhinav Manohar, Hardik Pandya (c), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma
Impact Player options: Alzarri Joseph, Srikar Bharat, Sai Kishore, Shivam Mavi, Jayant Yadav
Lucknow Super Giants: Manan Vohra, Kyle Mayers, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Krishnappa Gowtham, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi
Impact Player options: Karun Nair, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Prerak Mankad, Avesh Khan, Karan Sharma
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keeper – Nicholas Pooran
Batters – David Miller, Kyle Mayers, Ayush Badoni, Vijay Shankar
All-rounders – Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers – Ravi Bishnoi, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami
Captain: Hardik Pandya
Vice-captain – Rashid Khan
Prediction
Gujarat Titans, who have been performing well, will have the advantage of playing on their home ground against LSG. LSG will be at a disadvantage without their captain Rahul for the rest of the season and could struggle against a formidable Gujarat team on their home turf.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
