LSG, RR face off in blockbuster clash

If their performance is any indication, Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan

Royals could make for a blockbuster Indian Premier League contest on a Sunday evening, an iconic venue adding to its charm.

IPL debutants Lucknow Super Giants got off to an excellent start in their first season and are placed third in the points table, having won three of their four matches.

KL Rahul's team lost its opening game narrowly to fellow first-timers Gujarat Titans, but have since recorded comprehensive wins over defending champions Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and a very formidable Delhi Capitals outfit.

While Rahul has led the side admirably in the matches played so far in the 15th edition of the lucrative league, the likes of Evin Lewis, Deepak Hooda and young Ayush Badoni shining with the bat has lent great balance and stability to the team. As far as bowling is

concerned, the pace-spin duo of Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi have managed to hold their own against some of the most established names of T20 cricket.

Having quickly overcome the opening loss to Titans, LSG were further bolstered by the addition of West Indian all-rounder Jason Holder to the side, adding more depth in both bowling and batting.

Coming off a six-wicket win over the Capitals, LSG will take a lot of confidence from that into their next outing at the Wankhede Stadium.

In slaying DC, seasoned opener Quinton de Kock displayed imperious form with a 52-ball 80, even as the likes of Badoni and Krunal Pandya chipped in with cameos to seal the game for LSG.

Krishnappa Gowtham's economical spell against DC's formidable batting line-up has done his confidence a world of good as the off-spinner approaches the game against Rajasthan Royals.

Rahul got out after getting a start and he would certainly look to make amends on Sunday.

However, it is easier said than done when up against a side like RR, who have emerged as one of the stronger teams in the competition so far, notwithstanding the loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in their last outing.

Before the reverse against RCB, RR won two matches, beating Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians by 61 runs and 23 runs respectively.