CRICKET
IPL 2023 Predictions: LSG vs PBKS
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will clash with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 18 of the Indian Premier League 2023 at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow on Saturday (April 15).
Under the captaincy of KL Rahul, LSG started has started the season well.
They won against Delhi Capitals but lost against Chennai Super Kings in their second match.
With two wins in their last two matches against Hyderabad and Bangalore, LSG are in the top three already, and would like to extend the lead.
Meanwhile, PBKS, who went off to a flying start in IPL 2023, winning the first matches have now lost two matches in a row against SRH and GT.
They are positioned seventh in the points table. They managed to score only 153 in their recent fixture against Gujarat Titans, with Matthew Short scoring 36.
Thereafter, the bowlers produced a disciplined effort to put the opposition under pressure, but the total was too small to be defended.
For PBKS, Shikhar Dhawan has been the most reliable batter.
He is the orange cap holder with 233 runs in four games.
Jitesh Sharma has been providing contributions and is expected to convert them to big scores.
However, the rest of the Punjab batters haven’t delivered and this is a matter of concern.
For LSG, KL Rahul is undergoing a rough patch, this fixture might see him making a turnaround.
Even Hooda hasn’t got going but Marcus Stones and Nicholas Pooran who smashed 62 in just 19 balls versus GT are in fine fettle.
They also have quality spinners in Amit Mishra, Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya, who can be helpful in the Lucknow pitch.
Their pace spearhead Mark Wood has picked up 9 wickets in 3 matches at an average 10.92 and and an economy of 7.36, which makes him a big threat against the fragile Punjab batting line-up.
LSG and PBKS have played just a single game against each other. The match was played during IPL 2022, in which Lucknow defeated Punjab by 20 runs.
LSG vs PBKS: Date, time
Match | Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings |
Date | Saturday, April 15 |
Time | 19:30 IST |
Team news
There are no new injury concerns in the LSG camp ahead of their fifth match of the season.
South African star Quinton de Kock could replace Kyle Mayers who failed to register big scores in the last two matches.
Despite joining the squad ahead of the GT clash, Liam Livingstone did not feature in the matchday squad on Thursday.
But the Englishman could make his first appearance for the team on Saturday replacing Matt Short.
The pitch at Lucknow might be favourable for the spinners, due to its slowness. The total of around 160 will be a challenging total to chase down for the team chasing the score.
LSG Possible 11:
KL Rahul (c), Kyle Mayers/Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Ravi Bishnoi
PBKS Possible 11:
Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rishi Dhawan, Arshdeep Singh
Who will win
Lucknow Super Giants are likely to secure a victory in this game.
Even though KL Rahul hasn’t hit his stride, the rest of batters like Stoinis and Pooran have shown up.
They also have good bowling depth in terms of fast bowlers and spinners.
Punjab is too reliant on Shikhar Dhawan while their top bowlers like Arshdeep and Rabada haven’t shown their real capabilities yet.
Our team of experts predicts a win for LSG.
BIG NEWS
Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
BGT
Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team
Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.
McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.
Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.
Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.
Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.
The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.
BGT
Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket
Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.
Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.
Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.
These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.
As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.
Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.
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