IPL 2024 – Match 26, LKN vs DC Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Lucknow won their previous three contest before coming into this game
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will play against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 26th match of IPL 2024 at their home ground, the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, on Friday, April 12. This is the first encounter between the two teams this season.
The Delhi Capitals have struggled to establish themselves this season, having lost four out of their five matches, placing them in tenth position on the table. In their most recent game against the Mumbai Indians, DC allowed 234 runs in the first innings. Tristan Stubbs scored 71 off 25 balls but couldn’t lead DC to victory, with MI winning by 29 runs.
In contrast, the Lucknow Super Giants faced defeat in their opening game against the Rajasthan Royals but have since rebounded impressively, winning three consecutive games and showcasing dominance at home. In their last match, they defeated the Gujarat Titans by 33 runs.
What to expect?
The first game at the venue was high-scoring, suggesting the pitch was favourable for batting.
However, in the second game, the wicket seemed slower, making it challenging for batters to adapt to the pace. As a result, only 30 boundaries were scored in the game.
But with power hitters on both sides, we can expect more boundaries and runs to be scored in this match.
LKN vs DC Toss Prediction
Traditionally, the venue has been advantageous for teams batting first. Last season, four out of six matches were won by the team that batted first, suggesting both teams may choose to bat first at this venue.
A competitive total is likely around 165 runs, and bowlers who employ pace variations and spin should find success.
Seam bowlers can gain an edge on the red-soil pitches, while black-soil pitches favour spinners, making it harder for batters to score runs.
LKN vs DC Strengths & Weaknesses
LSG’s Strengths
The start of the LSG’s campaign in this IPL season was not at all good, but the team has bounced back with 3 consecutive wins this season and two on their home soil. The team is yet to be defeated on their home ground and have also reached the milestone of defending 160 plus scores for the maximum 13 times since IPL 2022.
The middle order of the team along with the top order have now stepped up and decided to score big this season. Nicholas Pooran along with Marcus Stoinis, who regained his lost form in the last match against Gujarat Titans, have found their rhythm back.
LSG’s Weaknesses
Though LSG has won three out of their four matches with some really good bowling and batting, their two young players, Ayush Badoni and Devdutt Paddikal, are yet to leave their mark this season.
Both the batters have disappointed their team and have not been able to anchor or finish the innings whenever required. Both the batters have not been able to go par with an individual score of 20 runs this season in any of their matches.
DC’s Strengths
DC though on the last position at the points table will be relinquished with the return in the form of their skipper and explosive opener, Prithvi Shaw who scored 66 runs in his last match against MI at the Wankhede Stadium.
Tristan Stubbs, the South African batter played an explosive knock of 71 runs off 25 balls against MI while chasing 234 runs, he was the only one who kept DC in the hunt of the chase till he got out.
DC’s Weaknesses
DC’s weaknesses this season are clearly their pace bowling. Apart from the match against CSK, their pacers are not able to execute their plans on the ground well and thus are being thrashed all over the ground with a whooping economy of 11 plus this season.
Anrich Nortje, whose return was much celebrated by the Capitals this season, has now turned into a nightmare for them. The South African bowler has given away runs in every match with an economy of 13 plus, be it Romario Shepherd, Sunil Narine, or the Vintage MS Dhoni; all the batsmen have made Nortje go haywire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the match between the Lucknow Super Giants and the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow promises to be an intriguing contest.
The Lucknow Super Giants come in with strong form and a home advantage, while the Delhi Capitals will be looking to turn their season around and secure a much-needed win.
The pitch conditions may play a significant role in the outcome, with the teams likely to prefer batting first to set a challenging target. The bowlers who excel at varying their pace and utilizing spin may be pivotal in determining the winner.
