The 42nd match of the Indian T20 League is slated to be played between Punjab and Lucknow at Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune on Friday. Both the teams are coming off a win and would look to continue the winning momentum.
After suffering two consecutive defeats, Punjab returned to winning ways with an 11-run victory over Chennai. They are currently sitting at number six on the table with 4 wins in 8 matches.
On the other hand, Lucknow are placed at number four on the points table with 5 wins to their name in 8 games. Lucknow are coming into this encounter on the back of a 36-run win over Mumbai. Another win on Friday could take them to number two on the points table.
Team News:
Punjab:
Punjab have had a topsy-turvy start so far this season. However, a win in their last match would have given them a lot of confidence. The addition of B Rajapaksa worked wonders for them. He played a stellar knock in the last game. However, the man who stole the show was Shikhar Dhawan. The bowling too was pretty good and you don’t expect any changes taking place in that department.
Players to watch out for:
- Shikhar Dhawan
One of the most prolific run-scorers in the Indian T20 League, Shikhar Dhawan reached the milestone of 6000 runs in the tournament in the last game. He played a match-winning knock of 88 runs in 59 balls, a knock which was laced with 9 fours and 2 sixes. You can expect him to produce another stellar knock on Friday.
- B Rajapaksa
The Sri Lankan batter is the man in form. He has made full use of the opportunities that he has been given so far. He is batting fearlessly and providing great starts in the first half of the innings. In 4 matches, he has managed to score 125 runs at an average of 31.25.
- Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone has played a pivotal role in turning Punjab’s fortune this year. He has played a few match-defining knocks with the bat and is currently the second-highest run-getter for Punjab. Livingstone has scored 245 runs in 8 matches at an strike rate of 187.02.
Probable Playing XI:
Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Sharma, Arshdeep Singh
Lucknow:
Lucknow too have a stellar batting unit and KL Rahul’s form will give them more confidence. Heading into the next game, they would be looking to strengthen their bowling department. Manish Pandey is likely to make way for K Gowtham in the next game.
Players to watch out for:
- KL Rahul
The captain of the Lucknow franchise is leading from the front. He notched his second century of this season in the last game against Mumbai and, singlehandedly took the team to a winning score. KL Rahul is currently the second highest run-getter in the tournament, scoring 499 runs in 8 matches at an average of 71.29.
- Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya is proving to be a great asset for the team. He is contributing both with the bat and ball. In the last game, he returned with impressive figures of 3 for 19 in 4 overs. He will be one of the players to watch out for.
- Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock has given vitals starts at the top of the order but his recent scores aren’t inspiring. He is still the second highest run-getter for Lucknow this season. In 8 matches, the South African cricket has managed to score 225 runs at an average of 28.12.
Probable Playing XI:
Quinton de Kock (wk), KL Rahul (c), Krunal Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder, K Gowtham, Dushmantha Chameera, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan
Match Details:
Punjab vs Lucknow, Match 42, Indian T20 League 2022
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Date & Time: April 29, 7:30 PM
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network for Television and Disney + Hotstar app for live streaming
Pitch Report
The 42nd match of the Indian T20 League sees Punjab take on Lucknow at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The 39th match between Bangalore and Rajasthan was also played at this ground. There is good amount of assistance for the bowlers and playing shots won’t be too easy for the batsmen. Also, the dimensions are quite big so it won’t be easy to clear the ropes frequently.