IPL match preview: Lucknow Super Giants v Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Super Giants are only in their second IPL season, while the Sunrisers continue to chase a second title.
KL Rahul.The Lucknow Super Giants go into this match in the wake of defeat to the Chennai Super Kings. Mark Wood and Ravi Bishnoi impressed with the ball then, but Lucknow's batsmen failed to step up and need to this time.
The Super Giants can look to push their home advantage, but they'll be challenged by a Sunrisers outfit that can beat the best away from their own backyard. This should be a cracking contest between some of the local stars in particular.
Hyderabad also head into this match after defeat. They were outdone by the Rajasthan Royals recently. The Sunrisers would dearly like more from international stars Glenn Phillips and Harry Brook, who shared just 21 runs in defeat to the Royals.
Hyderabad have made some big personnel decisions ahead of this tournament, including parting ways with David Warner and Kane Williamson. They need to follow up those off-field choices with on-field results.
The Lucknow Super Giants beat the Sunrisers Hyderabad by 12 runs in 2022's lone meeting. Seamer Avesh Khan was instrumental then and has started this season solidly, too.
KL Rahul is always important to the Super Giants' pursuit of big totals, whether setting or chasing. But he has come under criticism for batting too slowly. Let's see how he ups the ante, if at all, against Hyderabad.
Umran Malik is one of the fastest bowlers on show in this season's IPL. He has Thangarasu Natarajan to partner with - and they might even share the new ball. Conditions in Lucknow could suit their complementary pace nicely.
Lucknow looked the more rounded offering here - and should take the win. With Quinton de Kock at the top of the order and plenty of talent to follow in the middle, their batting is strong. And there's home advantage to go on as well.