In a top-of-the-table clash, Lucknow Super Giants will face Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Wednesday, April 19. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST.

Super Giants are currently well-placed on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 points table with six points from five matches. LSG also have a great net run rate of +0.761 and a win will put them level with Rajasthan Royals on eight points at the top of the IPL 2023 points table.

The two teams have also been in terrific form this season. Though LSG enter the contest having lost a last-over thriller against Punjab Kings by two wickets, they will be confident heading into the match with wins against high-flying Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad already under their belt.

Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, have picked up from where they left off last season. The IPL 2022 finalists have lost their only match of the season against Punjab Kings and thumped the likes of defending champions Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals. 

Super Giants to watch out for

KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers have settled in nicely as the opening pair as the tournament has progressed. The two players are also LSG’s top scorers with averages of over 30 and will look to provide the launchpad on a batting-friendly surface at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. 

Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran, whose strike rate of over 200 is the best this season, will look to provide finishing touches lower down the order. 

Mark Wood is the joint-highest wicket-taker this season and has been consistent with his speed and accuracy throughout. He will lead the bowling pack well supported by Ravi Bishnoi, Krunal Pandya and possibly Yudhvir Singh.

Royals’ contingent

Jos Buttler can send shivers down the spine of any bowling lineup in the world but LSG have the right tools to disarm Rajasthan’s most powerful weapon. Removing Buttler early in the game will be one of LSG’s top priorities on Wednesday. 

Yashasvii Jaiswal, Sanju Samjon, Shimron Hetmyer have been in fabulous touch as well. RR’s bowling department will include the likes of Purple Cap holder Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin and Trent Boult. 

RR VS LSG head-to-head

LSG faced RR twice last season with RR emerging on top on both occasions. Leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi picked up two wickets for 31 which kept Royals to 178/6 in 20 overs. Deepak Hooda was the top-scorer with 59 but LSG lost the match by 25 runs.

The second match saw RR put on 165/6 on board. Marcus Stoinis scored a brisk 38 off 17 but Super Giants eventually fell three runs short.

Match details

Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants, Match 26

Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Time: 7:30 PM