Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | SOurce: X/Twitter
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to face off at the Ekana Sports City in Lucknow on March 30. This marks LSG’s second match in IPL 2024, whereas PBKS will be playing their third match.
In their tournament debut on March 24, LSG faced a 20-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Meanwhile, Punjab, under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, clinched a victory over Delhi Capitals (DC), securing a win by 4 wickets in the last over with 4 balls remaining. PBKS had a similar fate, suffering a defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 4 wickets in the last over with 4 balls left.
During LSG’s inaugural match at the Ekana stadium, they posted a formidable total of 193/6 against Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2023, propelled by an outstanding debut performance from Kyle Mayers, who scored 73 runs off 38 balls.
This stands as the highest IPL score in an innings at this venue. The sole instance of a five-wicket haul here was achieved by Mark Wood during the DC match.
The home team struggled to handle the spin on the Lucknow pitch, managing to secure victories in only three games. With just three wins out of seven home games last year, it raises curiosity about the nature of the pitch prepared for this match. To date, nine T20Is have been hosted at this venue, with an average first innings score of 150 and an average second innings score hovering around 130.
Batters who can adapt to the slower pace and spinners who can vary their pace effectively tend to thrive on this surface. Additionally, the outfield at Ekana Stadium is usually quick, facilitating runs for batsmen who can find the gaps.
BRSABV Ekana Stadium Stats
Total Matches: 7
Batting 1st Won: 4
Batting 2nd Won: 2
No Result: 1
Highest Total: 193/6 by Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals in 2023.
Lowest Total: 108 all out by Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023.
LSG’s record at the stadium
Matches Played: 7
Won: 3
Lost: 4
Tied:1
Winning percentage: 42%
PBKS record at the stadium
Matches Played: 1
Won: 1
Lost: 0
Winning percentage:100%
PBKS vs LSG at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium
In their head-to-head encounters, LSG has emerged victorious in two games against PBKS, while the Kings have secured one win.
Both teams won one game against each other last year at the home ground of the opponent teams. LSG won in Mohali while Kings won in Lucknow.
Spinners from both teams like Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar from the PBKS and Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya will look to capitalise the slow and spin track of the Lucknow’s pitch.
