Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be locking horns with each other in the 53rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 in the second game on Saturday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. LSG has won 7 out of 10 matches and would be looking forward to winning this match so to get a top-two finish.
In their last game, Lucknow managed to pull off a win over Delhi Capitals by 6 runs after scoring 195 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 20 overs. LSG would hope for a better performance from the bowlers as just a couple of bowlers had an economy of less than 10 in the last game.
ALSO READ: Match 53 (LSG vs KKR) – Probable XI And Fantasy XI
Kolkata Knight Riders have won 4 out of 10 matches and a win will help them move one place in the points table. KKR defeated Rajasthan Royals in the previous match by 7 wickets after chasing a target of 153 runs in 19.1 overs. KKR is still struggling to finalize their opening pair and might make some changes in the top-order as both the openers failed to provide a decent start in the last game.
With the match promising to be a thriller, the following three player battles will play a major role in deciding the game’s result.
#1 KL Rahul vs Umesh Yadav
Umesh Yadav has been the best bowler for KKR in IPL 2022 as he has been taking wickets consistently in powerplay overs. However, Yadav will have a tough time tonight when he plays against the Lucknow Super Giants. LSG has one of the best opening combinations in IPL 2022 as both Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul have an excellent record in the tournament. Whenever Rahul plays a big knock, LSG have been in the driver’s seat. If Umesh Yadav manages to dismiss Rahul early in the powerplay.
#2 Tim Southee vs Quinton de Kock
Another powerplay battle to watch out for will be the one between KKR speedster Tim Southee and LSG opener Quinton de Kock. Southee has played only five matches this season, but he has scalped 10 wickets for KKR. On the other hand, de Kock has aggregated 294 runs in 10 innings this season. The winner of the battle between the duos of Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee vs KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock will likely decide the winner of the game.
#3 Nitish Rana vs Mohsin Khan
Nitish Rana has scored a couple of half-centuries in his last five innings for KKR. In the last game against the Rajasthan Royals, Rana chipped in with a match-winning 37-ball 48, smacking three fours and a couple of sixes. While LSG will rest their hopes on Mohsin Khan to get rid of the KKR batter early. Khan has been a surprise performer for LSG this season. He has scalped seven wickets in his last two innings. If he continues in the same vein, he could help LSG win another IPL 2022 match.
