1. Background:
Lucknow are coming back from two back-to-back losses. The silent killers are one match away from getting in a muddle. If they lose this game, suddenly they find themselves in the group of Mumbai and Delhi who are eying for that 3rd or 4th playoff spot. With Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians on the ascendancy LSG would want to win this one.
2. Ground & Pitch:
Lucknow pitch at Ekana Stadium hasn’t been a belter so far. Barring the first game this season where LSG scored 199 and successfully defended it the next two games have seen a middling score of 163 and 167.
Team batting first has successfully defended the total twice and LSG lost the last match against Delhi Capitals where they chased 167 with ease.
Expect the pitch to be of similar sort and will keep the bowlers interested. Don’t expect Wankhede akin conditions.
3. Players To Watch For LSG:
Quinton D Kock needs to find some form. He hasn’t lit the IPL this time around and he would want to make an impact sooner than later.
Mayank Yadav is still recovering from side strain and don’t expect him to play this game either.
Nickolas Pooran has had two failures now and it is important that he gets a big inning this game. Nicky P is most vital for LSG’s success.
4. Players To Watch For CSK
Expect Ajinkya Rahane to get another game. CSK does not like making changes so expect them to give him another game.
Shivam Dube has been on fire, and it would be interesting to see how he takes on the spin of Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandey
Matheesha Pathirana is the find of the season. He has matured leaps and bounds and expect him to make an impact.
5. Betting Tips:
Run Line is at 173.5 at the time of writing this blog. Both the teams are doing good with bat, Chennai more so than LSG. Expect the score to be around 165-175. I would recommend taking overs. If CSK bats first almost certain they manage to score this.
Match Bet. CSK start favorites against LSG. Toss will be vital here as with dew in the evening it would be difficult to contain a side with a middling score. CSK is not new to such conditions. Expect their spinners to have an upper hand. Team batting second to win.