Punjab Kings will look to get the higher of Lucknow Super Giants for the second time this yr when the 2 sides meet in a conflict of the mid-table groups right here on the I.S. Bindra Stadium on Friday.
Both groups are on eight factors, with Lucknow in fourth place – forward on internet run charge – whereas Punjab is sixth.
In the sooner assembly between the 2 sides, in Lucknow, PBKS prevailed within the final over, chasing 160.
Kings’ spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi sounded optimistic about skipper Shikhar Dhawan’s likelihood of taking part in on Friday.
Dhawan missed the final three outings attributable to a shoulder niggle. The opener’s return can be a large enhance for the house workforce’s top-order, which has appeared susceptible.
The battle for the playoff berths is heating up, with 4 groups tied on eight factors.
This yr, the edges are evenly matched and minor missteps might have monumental penalties. It is one thing LSG learnt the onerous manner when it botched a simple run-chase towards Gujarat Titans final weekend to lose by seven runs.
From a place of energy, the Super Giants’ batters made a multitude of issues towards some tight bowling from the Titans on a slow-paced pitch.
Okay.L. Rahul – regardless of scoring 68 – got here underneath the scanner once more for his gradual strike charge, and the Lucknow skipper will look to silence his critics on a pitch that may very well be higher for the batters.
With seven matches finished, each groups will look to start out the second half of their campaigns on a optimistic notice, as a win right here will brighten their probabilities of ending within the high 4.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com