PBKS vs LSG is the second meeting between the IPL 2014 runner-up and the Lucknow-based franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season. Both teams have won four games each and would want to stay in the playoff hunt. In their respective last games, Punjab Kings (PBKS) grabbed a thrilling win over Mumbai Indians, while Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans.

The IPL match 38 will be played at IS Bindra Stadium on Friday at 7.30 PM.

Punjab Kings 

PBKS will likely have the services of Shikhar Dhawan, who has missed the last few matches due to a shoulder injury. Dhawan is still PBKS’ top run-scorer, and the 37-year-old’s return will be a massive boost to PBKS’ batting unit, which hasn’t been consistent in his absence. It would be interesting to see whether Sikandar Raza gets a place in the playing 11. The former Zimbabwe captain struck a half-century against LSG this season. 

The franchise will have big expectations from Arshdeep Singh, who has been the bright spark in PBKS’ bowling department. He took four wickets against Mumbai Indians and reached double-figures for this season. It is a concern that spinners Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar haven’t been picking up enough wickets in the middle overs. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada might return to the playing 11 in place of Nathan Ellis. 

Lucknow Super Giants 

LSG has one of the finest batting units this season, but the franchise heavily relies on the opening duo of KL Rahul and Kyle Mayers. Domestic batters Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya, and Ayush Badoni haven’t made an impact with the bat this season. Hooda is enduring a poor run, having made just 41 runs in seven innings. The onus will be on match-winners Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran to be more clinical with the bat.

Mark Wood will likely return to the playing 11 after missing two matches. He has 11 wickets and is key to the franchise’s playoff hopes. Avesh Khan seems to have found his rhythm after his excellent show against Rajasthan Royals – 3/25. The spinners – Ravi Bishnoi, Krunal, and Amit Mishra – are having a good campaign so far. 

PBKS vs LSG Head-to-Head Stats

Regarding head-to-head stats, the two teams have faced twice, with both teams picking up a win each. 

PBKS & LSG IPL 2023 Stats

• Top Run-scorer:  Shikhar Dhawan – 233 runs (PBKS); KL Rahul – 262 runs (LSG)
• Most Wickets: Arshdeep Singh – 13 wickets (PBKS); Mark Wood – 11 wickets (LSG)
• Most Sixes: Simran Singh – 11 sixes (PBKS); Kyle Mayers – 16 sixes (LSG)

PBKS vs LSG -Who Will Win?

With a top-class batting unit at its disposal, LSG has the advantage over PBKS, which relies heavily on its skipper Shikhar Dhawan.