Eliminator Preview – Lucknow lock horns with Mumbai in a battle for survival

Lucknow Super Giants will square off against five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator of IPL 2023 at the Chepauk on May 24, Wednesday. The Lucknow-based outfit, who are heading into the game on the back of three consecutive victories in the league stages. Notably, they were knocked out of the competition at this very stage last year.

Krunal Pandya will be hoping to go one better this season. His side have struck the perfect balance at the right time. They secured their passage to the knockout stage after a thrilling last-over victory against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians made their way to the knockout stages at the expense of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Cameron Green’s dazzling maiden IPL century against Sunrisers Hyderabad is a worrying sign for the rest of the teams. His form coupled with Mumbai’s star-studded batting order can turn over any bowling attack on their day.

Pitch and conditions

The surface in Chepauk traditionally suit the slower bowlers. Both teams possess some absolute monster hitters in their ranks who can clear the fence with ease. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bowl first at this venue given the nature of the surface.

Venue details: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai

Last T20 match at the venue: CSK – 144/6 (20 overs) KKR- 147/4 (18.3 overs)

Here’s the Probable XI for LSG vs MI:

Lucknow Super Giants

While the top order struggled against the KKR bowlers in their last outing, Nicholas Pooran’s belligerence with the bat turned the momentum in his side’s favour. The bowlers also made a tremendous comeback in the middle overs after being under the pump in the powerplay.

Mumbai Indians

The Mumbai-based outfit can give a headache to the best of bowling attacks, given the exceptional talents in their batting ranks. However, their bowling still remains a concern, especially the fast-bowling department. Rohit Sharma will have to galvanise his bowlers ahead of the must-win encounter.