KKR vs LSG – Lucknow face host Kolkata for a sweet playoff spot

Kolkata Knight Riders will take on an in-from Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial 68th match of the ongoing IPL 2023. The match will be played at the iconic Eden Garden in Kolkata on Saturday, May 20. The two-time champions head into their last fixture with an outside chance of finishing in the top four of the points season.

However, they will have their work cut out against Krunal Pandya’s outfit, who are one of the firm favourites to qualify for the playoff for a second season running. But it won’t be a straightforward game for the Lucknow-based outfit as KKR are quite a formidable outfit on their home turf and will be looking to give their best in their last home game of the season.

While a victory for KKR will keep them in the hunt for a playoff spot, LSG will secure their spot in the top four with a win against the Men in Purple. With playoffs spots yet to be decided, the game proposes to be a hard-fought contest.

Pitch and conditions

The last match at this venue turned out to be a one-sided contest as the chasing side scaled a par total in spectacular fashion. While the slower bowlers always get a bit of assistance in Kolkata, the shorter dimensions of the ground will keep the batters interested.

Here’s the probable playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants:

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR’s Rinku Singh, who has been one of the breakthrough stars this season, came to the fore in his team’s last outing along with skipper Nitish Rana. The KKR spinner were also bang on the money and will be hoping to replicate the same against LSG.

Lucknow Super Giants

Krunal Pandya’s side registered an impressive victory against five-time champions Mumbai Indians in their last outing, despite being under severe pressure in the second innings. Marcus Stoinis’ form with the bat is an ominous sign for the rest of the teams, while Mohsin Khan also seems to have found his mojo.