Only 8 matches remain in IPL 2023’s league phase. Even then, only the Gujarat Titans have officially qualified for the playoffs in the cricket matches.
That is why Match 63 between the Mumbai Indians and the Lucknow SuperGiants will be a spectacle for everyone. Both MI and LSG are in contention for playoff qualification, securing the 3rd and the 4th spot, respectively. The Indians have 14 points in 12 games, while the Giants have 13 points in 12 games.
With two matches remaining for both teams, this is a must-win situation for them. A win at the Ekana stadium is likely to secure a spot in the IPL 2023 playoffs. Conversely, a loss here will make qualification a mere statistical possibility.
That is why the cricket match will be closely followed by the fans of PBKS, RCB, and CSK.
Factors affecting the match between MI vs. LSG
The match between MI and LSG will be tricky because of factors other than their table position.
The game will be played on Lucknow’s home soil, immediately giving them an edge over the visitors. The home crowd is likely to bring in huge support for the team in this crunch situation.
However, the pitch at Ekana is known for assisting spinners, an area where MI is excelling, all thanks to Piyush Chawla. The leg spinner has secured 19 wickets in IPL 2023, making him a major game-changer in Mtahc 63.
Given the pitch condition, LSG might add Amit Mishra to the team too. MI will enter the match at full strength with their players completely fit. Conversely, LSG is still struggling after losing their captain KL Rahul to an injury.
Having chased down 200+ scores 3 times in IPL 2023, MI is riding high on its momentum. As for LSG, the team has only won 2 of its previous 5 games, showing a constant struggle to find consistency.
Comparison between the teams’ strengths
Unlike previous IPLs, the Mumbai Indians have lost their edge in bowling, especially when it comes to pacers.
However, the team has flourished in its batting department. With 479 runs in IPL 2023, Suryakumar Yadav has become a household name for the team. The player has scored at a whopping strike rate of 190.84, with an average of 43.54.
Currently ranked the No 1 T20 batsman, Sky has scored 103 off 49 and 83 off 35 in the previous two games. The Sky is undoubtedly the first pick of fantasy players on top cricket betting sites for every MI match.
The MI squad also boasts veterans, such as Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who can single-handedly win games. While the duo has not hit it out of the park this season, they have the skills to do so.
On the bowling front, MI has showcased excellence with a revived Piyush Chawla. The leg spinner has taken 19 wickets and is competing for the Purple Cap currently.
When it comes to the Lucknow SuperGiants, the team has not produced a standout superstar like Surakumar Yadav. Instead, the team has relied on its strong middle order that can perform in any situation.
The team boasts 4 middle-order batsmen with a 200+ score in IPL 2023. The Giants rely on young talents like Ayush Badoni and Ravi Bishnoi. At the same time, the addition of Quinton de Kock has answered LSG’s quest for a reliable opener.
Now, LSG can open the innings as explosively as they wish, with players like Krunal Pandya, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran, and Marcus Stoinis to follow. Mayers is leading the team with 361 runs, while Pooran has been the standout, hitting the bowlers at a strike rate of 173.81.
LSG vs. MI IPL 2023: Head-to-head comparison
Given Lucknow’s status as a new team, it has only faced MI twice till now. However, the Giants have managed to beat the Indians both times.
In the absence of KL Rahul, Stoinis is the highest run scorer in LSG against MI with 343 runs. On the other hand, the MI batsmen have failed miserably against the LSG bowling attack.
The highest run scorer for MI against LSG is Rohit Sharma, who has scored only 45 runs in their 2 games.
While MI is arguably a stronger team on paper, LSG has always found a way to defeat them comfortably. Based on the head-to-head record alone, LSG has the better chance of winning the cricket match.
Key player battles to look out for
The key match will be filled with old rivalries and matchups. Having played with MI for years, Krunal Pandya certainly knows how the team works.
Thus, the player will try to attack the middle order with conviction. LSG will also rely on Amit Mishra to pose a threat in front of Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in an immaculate touch. If the leggy manages to get Sky out, the MI team is sure to crumble.
On the other hand, Behrendroff will be put on the attack to get de Kock out early. If the opener manages to survive the powerplay, LSG will surely present a massive score in front of MI. The matchups will continue, with Chawla will be used against Mayers, Pooran, and Stoinis in the middle overs.
Mayers and Stoinis are known for struggling against spinners, making Chawla a great fit against them. The leg spinner is likely to prevail in direct competition, which can break the LSG’s middle order.
Conclusion
LSG vs. MI will be a key match not only for the teams but also for the entire competition. A win at Match 63 will increase the team’s playoff chances while affecting squads like PBKS, RCB, and CSK.
MI has been on a roll for the past few matches, constantly chasing down 200+ scores even before 20 overs. However, the team has never beaten the Lucknow Super Giants, making the matchup highly intriguing.
Given the spin-friendly nature of the Ekana pitch, Piyush Chawla and Ravi Bishnoi are expected to lead their teams in the bowling department. All eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav as the player follows in after a recent century.
The host, LSG, is undoubtedly the favored team against MI, especially seeing the team’s shaky batting other than Suryakumar.
