TATA IPL 2025 Match 13 Preview: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings – Ekana Cricket Stadium, Pitch Report, Head-to-Head, and Predicted XI
The TATA IPL 2025 has now reached its 13th match, featuring an exciting clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 1. This match holds special significance as it will be the first IPL 2025 game to be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. LSG will get the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd for the first time this season under the leadership of their new captain, Rishabh Pant.
Both teams are coming into this match on the back of victories. Lucknow, after losing their first match, made a strong comeback in their second game. On the other hand, Punjab Kings have played just one match so far, securing an impressive win against Gujarat Titans.
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Let’s dive into all the crucial details ahead of this high-voltage encounter, including the pitch report, weather conditions, head-to-head records, probable playing XIs, and match predictions.
Match Details
- Date: April 1, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Time: 7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM)
- Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Where to Watch: Star Sports Network & JioCinema
Ekana Stadium Pitch Report: Spinners to Dominate?
The Ekana pitch has historically been bowler-friendly, especially favoring spinners. The ball tends to grip and slow down, making it difficult for batters to score freely.
Key Pitch Trends:
- No team has crossed 200 runs at Ekana in IPL 2024.
- Spin dominance has been a consistent theme in the last three seasons.
- Pace bowlers may struggle, but cutters and slower balls could be effective.
Predicted Match Scenario:
- First Innings Score (if batting first): 160-175
- Spinners will play a crucial role, with Ravi Bishnoi (LSG) and Rahul Chahar (PBKS) likely to be key.
Weather Conditions
- Clear skies with no rain interruptions expected.
- Hot and humid during the day, slightly cooler by evening.
Head-to-Head Record (LSG vs PBKS)
- Total Matches: 4
- LSG Wins: 3
- PBKS Wins: 1
- Last Meeting: LSG won by 5 wickets (IPL 2024)
Lucknow has dominated Punjab so far, but PBKS will look to turn the tables this time.
Predicted Playing XI
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Possible XI:
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran (WK)
- Rishabh Pant (C)
- David Miller
- Ayush Badoni
- Abdul Samad
- Shardul Thakur
- Prince Yadav
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Avesh Khan
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Possible XI:
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK)
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Marco Jansen
- Adeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Vijay Kumar Vishak
Key Players to Watch Out For
Lucknow Super Giants:
- Nicholas Pooran: The left-hander is in sensational form, having scored 70 runs off just 26 balls in his last outing.
- Mitchell Marsh: Two back-to-back 50+ scores have made him a crucial batter for LSG.
- Shardul Thakur: A reliable all-rounder, Thakur has already picked up over five wickets in two games this season.
Punjab Kings:
- Shreyas Iyer: Coming off an unbeaten 97 in the last match, he will be Punjab’s batting anchor.
- Marcus Stoinis: Facing his former franchise, Stoinis will be eager to put in a match-winning performance.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: The experienced spinner will be vital on a spin-friendly Ekana pitch.
Who Will Win?
While Lucknow will have the home advantage and a strong bowling lineup, Punjab Kings’ powerful batting order gives them an edge. If their top-order fires, Punjab can break Lucknow’s winning streak at home. Our prediction: Punjab Kings to win this match.
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