IPL 2023 Predictions: SRH vs LSG

KL Rahul’s Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is slated to face Aiden Markram’s Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in match number 10 of the IPL 2023 on Friday.

LSG began their run in the IPL 2023 with a win over Delhi Capitals (DC).

However, they couldn’t take the winning momentum forward. They lost their next fixture against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chepauk Stadium by 12 runs.

South African wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock will be available. This could very well turn out to be a headache for the management as Kyle Mayers has done exceptionally well in the first two matches.

It will be interesting to see if LSG push Kyle Mayers back to the middle order, or will they replace Marcus Stoinis in the team?

Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a horrid start to the season, losing to RR by 72 runs in their opening fixture.

Fazalhaq Farooqi and T Natarajan bowled decently and claimed 2 wickets each. However, that was not enough as the Sunrisers were set a huge total of 204 runs to chase.

In reply, Sunrisers could manage just 131 runs in their 20 overs.

Mayank Agarwal (27) and Abdul Samad (32) were the only batsmen who got starts.

That’s why the return of SRH’s regular captain, Aiden Markram will be hugely welcomed.

Glenn Phillips could also make way for Heinrich Klaasen. The rest of the players might retain their places.

Venue Details

The match will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

The Lucknow pitch is considered to be pace friendly with help for spinners in the middle overs.

Dew will play a huge part in this fixture which makes it hard to bowl in the second innings. So, the team winning the toss is likely to bowl first here.

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI:

Avesh Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Kyle Mayers, KL Rahul, Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishnoi, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, Mark Wood, Jaydev Unadkat

Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted Playing XI:

Fazalhaq Farooqi, T Natarajan, Mayank Agarwal, Abdul Samad, Umran Malik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Harry Brook, Heinrich Klaasen, Washington Sundar.

Key player stats

For LSG, KL Rahul has scored 393 runs at an average of 39.30 and a strike rate of 125.55 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has also amassed four half-centuries against them.

Quinton de Kock will be playing his first game of the season.

He has a decent record against SRH: 372 runs at a 37.20 average and a strike rate of 130.98. He has also made three fifties against the Orange Army.

Kyle Mayers scored 73 (38) vs DC & 53 (22) vs CSK. Without doubt, he has been the key player for LSG.

In the first two matches, Mark Wood has snared eight wickets at a magnificent average of 7.88 and a strike rate of 6.00 so far. It includes a five-for in LSG’s opening rubber against Delhi Capitals.

For SRH, the return of Aiden Markram will be the best possible news. He is coming into the game on the back of a marvellous 175(126) against the Netherlands in the last ODI.

Overall, Aiden Markram’s record in T20s in 2023: 15 inns, 453 runs, avg. 37.75, SR 135.63.

Harry Brook has had a tough time in his debut IPL game against Rajasthan Royals. But he is a quality player and could break into form against LSG.

Who will win

Markram’s return will give a psychological boost to SRH.

Also, they have a potent pace attack in Farooqi, Natarajan and Malik.

SRH have a point to prove after last match’s defeat and could bounce back with a win vs LSG.