IPL match preview: Lucknow Super Giants v Punjab Kings

Lucknow will go into this match on the back of a tight one-wicket win in a high-scoring fixture against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. They successfully pursued a taxing 213-run total to set a precedent for big chases across the rest of the tournament.

Overseas stars Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran have been outstanding in the middle-order for the Super Giants, but they need more from the men at the top. This might be their cue to bring South African big-hitter Quinton de Kock into the XI.

Punjab will head into this fixture in the wake of a tough challenge against the defending champions Gujarat Titans. Punjab cannot be as reliant as they have been on their captain Shikhar Dhawan so many runs; other batsmen need to step up as well.

Lucknow has served up first-innings scores of between 120 and 190 this IPL season. That's a significant gap between lowest and highest, but the team to win the toss will likely opt to bowl first and chase later. 

The teams met once in Lucknow's maiden IPL season in 2022. The Super Giants won that match after a superb showing with the ball from all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who could be key again here.

Captain KL Rahul has collected a few promising starts this IPL, but failed to convert for his Lucknow team-mates. This is a big opportunity for him to impress against his former team. He might open the batting alongside de Kock rather than Kyle Mayers this time.

Punjab have one of the best leg-spinners in the tournament in Rahul Chahar. He made a name for himself at the Mumbai Indians before moving to the Kings. Conditions in Lucknow could suit his craft, especially if there is a bit of extra bounce on offer.

The Super Giants should win this one. They look in stronger form. Lucknow are navigating and negotiating some questions over the composition of their playing XI. That imbalance could prove costly here.