The 21st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will be played between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, April 15. LSG has witnessed a healthy start to their IPL 2023, winning three out of their four games. They are currently placed second in the points table after Rajasthan Royals (RR).
PBKS, on the other hand, have won 2 games and suffered as many losses and are sixth in the standings. They will be eyeing a win against LSG as it will propel them into the top half of the points table. Lucknow defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a last-ball thriller in their previous fixture. Punjab, on the other hand, lost to Gujarat Titans (GT) by six wickets to suffer their second consecutive defeat in IPL 2023.
ALSO READ: Match 21 (PBKS vs LSG) – Playing XI And Fantasy XI Predictions
The upcoming contest promises to be an exciting one, with both sides keen on bagging the two points on offer. A couple of interesting matchups will be on the cards later tonight in Lucknow. On that note, Let’s take a look at 3 player matchups to watch out for in the LSG vs PBKS tie.
#1 Shikhar Dhawan vs Amit Mishra
PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan has amassed 233 runs in four matches and is currently the highest run-scorer in the tournament. However, Dhawan will face the task of tackling Amit Mishra, who has done an excellent job so far. Dhawan has averaged only 25 against right-arm leg-break bowlers since 2019. Moreover, he has been dismissed by Mishra thrice in 33 deliveries. It will be an exciting matchup, which could possibly decide the outcome of the contest.
#2 Nicholas Pooran vs Kagiso Rabada
LSG batter, Nicholas Pooran played a blinder against RCB, smashing a 19-ball 62. He looked in superb form, clobbering sixes all around the park. However, he has not been able to negotiate the right pacers well, averaging only 17 since IPL 2019. The PBKS think tank is aware of the same and will unleash Kagiso Rabada to negate the threat of Pooran. The South African pacer had a decent game against Gujarat and will be looking to curtail the left-handed Pooran.
#3 Marcus Stoinis vs Arshdeep Singh
While Pooran has a dismal record against right-handed pacers, Marcus Stoinis has had forgettable outings against the left-arm fast bowlers. Stoinis, who is coming into this game on the back of a superb outing against RCB, will be facing Arshdeep Singh. The youngster has had a great tournament so far and will look to continue his momentum as the Kings look to bounce back after two back-to-back losses. It will be interesting to see how he turns up against Stoinis.
