Lucknow: Lucknow Supergiants vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) match in IPL T20 cricket series today at 3.30 pm at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.
Both the teams have equal number of points (10) from 9 matches each. This is the 2nd time the two teams are facing each other this season. CSK defeated Lucknow by 12 runs in the match held in Chepauk, Chennai on April 3.
In the Lucknow team, captain KL Rahul and fast bowler Jayadev Unathgat are injured. Due to this, it is doubtful that both of them will play in today’s game. The Lucknow team is coming into today’s match after failing to reach the target of 127 runs against Bengaluru team and losing by 18 runs. Lucknow’s performance has been in flux this season.
On April 28, Lucknow scored a record 257 runs against Punjab. The game was a reminder of what a team can achieve when they work together. But yesterday’s match against Bengaluru when chasing a target of 127 runs was an example of how badly a team can perform and fail.
Kyle Meyers, Ayush Badoni, Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Naveen Ulhaq and Yash Thakur combined for a top-class performance in the 257-run match. But they did not contribute well against the Bengaluru team. As KL Rahul is unlikely to play in today’s match, Lucknow may face additional pressure.
Dhoni-led CSK are coming into the game with two consecutive defeats. Dhoni’s smart decisions and the way he handles the players on the field have been instrumental in CSK’s success this season. In that way, Dhoni may well take advantage of KL Rahul not playing. Daven Conway is in top form with CSK’s batting. A 414-run chase could see another good knock from him.
Ruduraj Gaekwad, Rahane and Shivam Dubey are also likely to challenge on match day. In bowling against the Punjab team, Jadeja and Tusshar Deshpande scored more runs in the final phase and led to the team’s defeat. They may focus on getting back stronger.
Punjab-Mumbai Clash: Another match between Punjab and Mumbai will be played at Mohali at 7.30 pm.
