IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in LSG VS RCB Match No.43

IPL 2023: The upcoming Match 43 of the IPL 2023 will take place at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, featuring a match-up between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). LSG comes into the game after a dominant 56-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mohali, where they posted the second-highest total in IPL history. RCB, on the other hand, suffered a convincing defeat against KKR in their last match in Bengaluru. With both teams currently occupying similar positions on the points table, their upcoming clash promises to be a closely fought contest. This will be especially true if the pitch in Lucknow turns out to be tricky for batting, and the match may ultimately be decided by narrow margins.

IPL 2023: Performances of the Teams in the Season

Lucknow Super Giants bounced back from their previous home collapse with a stellar batting performance, scoring an impressive total of 257/5 in their 20 overs against PBKS. Kyle Mayers laid the foundation for the innings with a solid opening start and the performances of Ayush Badoni and Marcus Stoinis have helped him build that as well. On the other hand, LSG’s bowling effort was equally impressive, with the young Yash Thakur and Afghanistan’s Naveen Ul-Haq taking crucial wickets, and Ravi Bishnoi also contributing with the ball. The team’s overall performance was outstanding and demonstrated their resilience in the face of adversity.

RCB currently stands in fifth place in the points table with 4 victories and 4 losses in 8 matches. They faced a 21-run defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders (RCB) in their previous game. Throughout the season, RCB has had inconsistency issues, with only Kohli, du Plessis, and Maxwell making significant contributions while the rest of the batters have struggled to make an impact. Additionally, the team’s bowling department has looked vulnerable, particularly during the death overs. In their upcoming match, RCB will be eager to put on a better performance and strengthen their position in the points table.

IPL 2023: Top Player Battles to Keep an Eye on in LSG VS RCB Game:

3) Glenn Maxwell vs Ravi Bishnoi

Maxwell, known for his aggressive middle-order batting, has been in top form, accumulating 258 runs in eight matches. He may contribute with his spin bowling, particularly as there are several left-handers in the LSG team. However, he will face a tough challenge from Ravi Bishnoi, who has taken 10 wickets in eight matches at an impressive average of 24.7. Bishnoi’s crafty leg spin will be a critical factor in the game. While Maxwell has handled Bishnoi well in the past, scoring 36 runs off 17 balls without Bishnoi dismissing him, the leg-spinner may still be an effective weapon against the Australian, as leggies have dismissed him 20 times in 55 IPL innings.

2) Virat Kohli vs Krunal Pandya

Continuing his excellent form this season, Virat Kohli, the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL, has amassed an impressive total of 333 runs in eight matches, with a noteworthy average of 47. He is famous for his ability to find gaps and hit boundaries throughout the match, although spin bowling has proven to be a challenge for him in the past. To counter this, LSG is likely to bring in Krunal Pandya, who has a solid track record against Kohli. While Pandya has only dismissed him once in IPL history, he has consistently managed to limit Kohli’s scoring opportunities, making him an ideal candidate for this match-up.

1) KL Rahul vs Mohammed Siraj

KL Rahul has scored 274 runs in 8 matches at an average of 34.25 and the opener will be keen to get a big score. The LSG skipper is yet to come out of his shell in IPL 2023, having been greeted by slow tracks in Lucknow so far. The ex-RCB batter has scored 91 runs off 47 deliveries bowled by Siraj across five innings at a strike rate of 193. The pacer has not dismissed him in T20s and he also struck five sixes against Siraj to stamp his authority.

While Siraj has the upper hand in terms of form, Rahul definitely holds the aces when it comes to head-to-head statistical record, making this match-up crucial and a must-watch. Overall, in six IPL meetings, Rahul has slammed 96 runs at a strike rate of 181.13 against Siraj. Siraj has dismissed him just once in the battle and that came earlier this season and he would not mind replicating his heroics.