Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL, 2026 May 7 Full score card

Lucknow Super Giants finally manage to hold on and win a game. The six-game drought is over and they win by 9 runs (DLS method). Very full and outside off, hit away along the turf and down to long off for a single.

That should do it for LSG and Digvesh Singh has already started celebrating. A bit shorter again, angled into the batter, Shepherd doesn't get a hold of the slog and hits it aerially to the left of deep square leg. Mayank Yadav mops things up and keeps it down to two runs.

FOUR! A couple of sixes to tie the game. Shortish length at the batter, swung away towards deep backward square leg for a boundary. 13 needed now off 2 balls.

WIDE! Way too short and wide outside off, Shepherd reaches out to hit but fails to connect. Rishabh Pant is lightning quick to dislodge the bails but Shepherd is well in. Just a wide then.

Digvesh Singh might just have bowled LSG to a win here, but he needs to hold on for one more ball. Slower through the air again, a bit full and angled into the legs. Shepherd sits down to slog sweep but misses. 18 needed now off 3.

Digvesh goes wide outside off, bowling it a bit short. Pandya reaches out and slaps it to deep point. Nicholas Pooran fumbles it a touch but it will only be a single. 18 needed now off 4 balls.

Slower through the air, on a fullish length and angled into the pads. It is the googly that spins in and Shepherd swings across the line, but misses. The ball goes off the pads to backward point and they get a leg bye.

Right, we are down to the final over then. It looks like Shahbaz Ahamad and Digvesh Singh are both eager to take responsibility here, and there seems to be a bit of convincing going on in the middle. Mitchell Marsh now joins the conversation as well. Rishabh Pant shows faith in Digvesh, who has gone for 41 runs in his 3 overs so far. A big call by the Lucknow skipper. Remember, LSG's season is on the line here. A defeat tonight and they will be out of the playoff race. RCB need 20 runs off the final over.

Yadav holds his nerve and closes out the over well. 13 runs off it, 20 needed now off the final over. A wide yorker, outside off, Shepherd drags it across to wide long on for a single.

SIX! You miss your mark even by an inch, and you get punished. Low full toss around middle, Romario Shepherd powers it across and gets it over cow corner for a biggie.

That's gone through. Bowled on a good length and around off, the ball just skids through without bouncing much and Shepherd is taken aback. He swings across the line but is beaten past the inside edge.

Much better from Prince. Full and just outside off, Pandya backs away a bit and jams it to the right of cover for a single.

FOUR! Pandya is punishing the short balls right now. Dug in short over middle, KP goes deep in the crease again and forces the pull just behind square leg for a boundary.

That should have been put away. A full toss aimed at the pads, Shepherd fails to swing it away leg side. The ball thuds his pads and rolls to the left of the keeper for a leg bye.

Surely Prince Yadav to bowl the penultimate over? Yep, it is going to be Prince, who has been the pick of the bowlers for LSG tonight.

SIX! KP gets it away again, and RCB now need 33 off 12 balls. A short ball, aimed right at the batter. Pandya swivels back and swings with everything he's got, nailing it over deep square leg for a biggie.

SIX! Krunal Pandya provides just what RCB needed, keeping them in the hunt. Shami misses his mark and serves a full toss on off, Pandya gets a hold of it and hits it flat over long on for a six.

Goes full and straight now, does Shami. Shepherd pushes it down to long on for one. Just 2 runs off the first 4 balls, RCB need something to give here.

A touch slower at 127.8 kph, dug in short again and around off. Shepherd waits and hops up to uppercut but misses.

Oh, that's well bowled. A bit of a snorter this one, dug in short and around off, moves away a bit as well. Romario Shepherd leans back and sways his head away from the line of the ball.

Back of a length and outside off, Pandya taps it away through the point region and picks up a single.

Mohammad Shami (3-0-19-1) is back for his final over.

Fired in quicker and wide outside off, just inside the tramline. Romario Shepherd leaves it alone in hopes of a wide, but won't get it. 47 needed now off 18 balls.

FOUR MORE! Short and wide outside off yet again, Shepherd rocks back and cuts it hard behind poit for another boundary.

FOUR! Nicely done. Way too short and outside off, Romario Shepherd hangs back in the crease and just angles it nicely between backward point and short third for a boundary.

LSG can't breathe easy just yet. Romario Shepherd makes his way out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! Shahbaz Ahamad gets the big fish now. This is bowled short and wide outside off, Tim David reaches out and goes after it, but ends up hitting it straight to the fielder. It was there to be hit, but David snatched at it and hit it straight to Digvesh Singh at point, who makes no mistake, and RCB lose their 6th wicket.

SIX! Up, up and away! Dragged length on middle, Tim David pivots onto the back foot and launches it straight down the ground for a biggie.

WIDE! Oh, that's actually spun a bit. Fullish length, wide outside off, turns away and stays a bit low. David looks to cut but misses.

Wide! Pushed through but this goes just beyond the tramline. David lets it be.

Keeps the line wide outside off, and bowls it on a good length. David reaches out to hit it through the off side but ends up jamming it off the inner half of the blade.

The required rate for RCB before the previous over was 16 runs an over and they managed to get 17 off the 15th over.

150 comes up for RCB. Mayank takes pace off and bowls it on a shortish length. David tries to flay it away but it goes off an outside edge to deep third. Single taken. 63 runs needed off 24 balls.

SIX! Tim David repeats the dose! Mayank Yadav sticks to the short ball, but once again, this sits up to be hit, over off and middle. David stays on the back foot and nails the pull flat to the right of deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.

SIX! Outta here! Mayank Yadav digs it in short, over middle. The height does not trouble the batter as it comes around his shoulder. Tim takes a step back and pummels it over square leg for a biggie.

Bashes the deck, near the tramline. Tim David shuffles across and throws his hands at the ball. It kicks up to go past the flailing blade.

At 144.2 kph, similar length but this time, Mayank tucks the batter up for room. David is beaten for pace as he swings across and wears it high on the thigh pad.

FOUR! Stand and deliver! Mayank hits the back of a length, on off. David hangs deep in the crease and plays it on the rise by getting on top of the bounce. He hits it firmly to the right of the man at cover and it races away.

Bowling change? Yes. Mayank Yadav is back on to finish his spell. 3 overs, none for 33 for him thus far.

FOUR! Gets it through! A bit too short whilst staying wide, Pandya takes a step across and hammers it to the right of the diving cover-point fielder for a boundary. RCB need 80 runs in 30 balls.

Bowled into the surface and quicker too, Pandya chops it down to backward point from the crease.

Floated up, fuller and on middle. Krunal Pandya goes for the reverse and connects but can't beat backward point.

Drops it short now and outside off. David slaps it to deep extra cover and crosses over.

Wide! This is quicker but beyond the tramline on off. Tim lets it be.

FOUR! One bounce and over the ropes! A bit of turn, on a length, sticks to the wide line. Tim David brings his long levers into play and powers it down the ground to the right of long off.

Top work! That was destined for a boundary. Short and wide on off. Krunal Pandya picks the bones out of it as he slaps it hard to cover-point. Arshin Kulkarni flings himself to his right and lays a hand on it, saving a certain boundary. Just a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Lucknow Super Giants have got a real stranglehold on the game at the moment, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have really let things get away after setting things up nicely with that 95-run stand between Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar. For LSG, it is about a couple of more wickets, which will expose the RCB tail, whereas for RCB, it is all about if someone like Tim David can take on the spinners and go ballistic. Lucknow only have 3 overs of their frontline pacers left, so we should continue to see a bit more spin right now.

Loopy ball, on off, Pandya advances and hits it hard to long off for just a single. 91 runs needed from 36 balls.

Shorter and wider on off, David spanks it from the crease to deep cover for another single.

Tossed up, on off, driven to long off for a single.

Keeps it short, on middle, David mistimes the pull to long on for one more.

FOUR! Edgy! Sliding onto the pads, on a length. David hops back to whip it away. Gets an inside edge through short fine leg for a boundary.

A mix-up but they get away with it. Sliding across, short and near the tramline. Pandya cuts it wide of point, where Mitchell Marsh dives to his right to cut it off. Pandya is caught ball watching as David sets off for the run. Krunal eventually gets across and makes his ground as Marsh misses the stumps and Digvesh is not up to the stumps to collect the throw.

Digvesh Singh (2-0-32-0) is brought back into the attack.

Slows it down a bit, on a good length, closer to the off stump. This is punched to long off for one.

Fired across, short and wide, Pandya flashes but the ball goes under the blade.

Wide on off, on the shorter side, this is guided to backward point.

Oh, it's all tumbling down quickly for RCB right now as they lose 3 wickets in the space of 9 balls. Krunal Pandya now walks in to bat at number 7.

OUT! CAUGHT! A couple of overs back, LSG seem to have no answers to stop the onslaught, and all of a sudden, three wickets in quick succession, and they are right on top. Shahbaz keeps the line near the tramline and on a nagging length. Patidar reaches out, looking to go down the ground with a horizontal bat. Hits it flat down to long off, where Aiden Markram moves across to his left and snaffles it around his waist. 104/2 becomes 112/5 for RCB.

Pushed through, short and flat, David swings hard at it. Chops it down in front of cover and crosses over.

FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Floated up, on off. David presses onto the front foot and drills it all along the ground wide of long off. Aiden Markram sprints to his left and puts in a dive but his effort goes in vain.

Shahbaz Ahamad comes into the attack now.

Hurls it on a length, on middle and leg. That is flicked off the back foot through mid-wicket for a run.

Prince Yadav is having the time of his life out there. RCB use their Impact Sub now, bringing on Tim David for Suyash Sharma.

Suyash Sharma is substituted by Tim David

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A double strike for Prince Yadav. Build a castle for the Prince, quips Alan Wilkins on air, and the LSG fans will certainly be in agreement. A well-directed short ball, around the right shoulder. Jitesh tries to take on the short ball but he is not in a position to do so. He swivels but is rushed and the ball gets big on him too. It goes straight up off a top edge behind the wickets. Rishabh Pant turns around and takes a couple of steps over his right shoulder to take a safe catch. Another low score for Jitesh this season. RCB are now 4 down for 106.

Bashes the surface, on off. Rajat Patidar gets his hands high to unleash the pull but toe-ends it to long on for a run.

Very full, on leg. Sharma wrists it wide of mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length. This skids through and keeps a shade low too but Jitesh keeps it out.

What a time to get a wicket, and that brings Jitesh Sharma to the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Prince Yadav answers the skipper's call as he breaks this blossoming stand. At 134.7 kph, bowled on a good length, on off and middle. Padikkal hangs back and looks to force it down the ground with an angled bat. He looks to play it more towards long on but ends up chipping it back towards the bowler. Prince reacts well on his follow-through as he takes the catch at head height to his left. The 95-run stand has been broken. RCB are 104/3, needing 109 runs in 53 balls.

Rishabh Pant turns to Prince Yadav in search of a breakthrough. 2-0-18-1 so far for Prince.

Back of a length this time, Patidar stays upright and slaps it down between long on and deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 109 needed now off 54 balls.

Slower one into the pitch, Padikkal looks to pull but is early into his shot and cue-ends it into the off side for another single.

Short of a good length, angled into the batter. Patidar gets rushed a bit and ends up getting a top edge around the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

SIX! Wow, that's even better. Good-length delivery, around the top of off and middle, this time Rajat Patidar holds his shape and just smashes it over mid-wicket for a 101-meter maximum. 100 UP FOR RCB.

SIX! Rajat Patidar has gone berserk here and he brings up his FIFTY in 26 balls. Fractionally short and angled in from around off, Patidar just walks inside the line of the ball and clobbers it deep over the square leg fence for a biggie, his fifth of this innings.

WIDE! Too high. Banged in halfway down the pitch, over off and middle and this one flies over the batter's head.

Slower ball, full and angled across off, Padikkal stays leg side of the ball and reaches out, guiding it down to deep third for a single.

Mayank Yadav to continue.

SIX! What a sound off the bat! A googly now, on middle and angling in. Rajat Patidar walks inside the line and thwacks it across the line, well over the square leg fence for another biggie. 17 off the over, 32 in total for Digvesh Singh in his 2 overs so far.

Angled into the pads, Patidar tries to play a cute shot, fine of short fine leg but misses out.

SIX! Rajat Patidar is known as a spin basher for a reason. Length ball attacking the stumps, Patidar rocks back a touch and just lays into it, launching it down the ground and just over the ropes for a six.

Flatter delivery around middle and leg, jammed away from the crease towards cow corner for a single.

Gets away with this one, does Digvesh. Quicker and shorter, down leg, Padikkal looks to pull it fine but fails to get a bat on it and the ball just clips his pads.

FOUR! Stroked away for a boundary. Floated up, wide outside off, DDP leans on and times it superbly, hitting it over covers for a boundary.

Yadav goes back to bowling short and bowls it just outside off, angling it in. Patidar leans back to ramp it away but misses. 9 off the over.

SIX! Now, that's an excellent shot from the RCB skipper. Good length at nearly 146 kph, Patidar walks inside the line of the ball and uses those quick hands to short-arm jab it wide of long on for a six.

Slower ball, at 108.1 kph, and bowled full and outside off. Patidar goes after it but gets it off the toe end of the bat and down to long off for a couple of runs.

That's on the money from Yadav. Short again, at over 144 clicks and right at the batter. The ball jumps off the deck and so does Patidar, who does well to keep it down. That's hit the handle of the bat.

A proper short ball now, just outside off. Rajat Patidar expects it to be quicker than it actually is and ends up playing an awkward hook shot, failing to connect.

Mayank bashes a hard length and angles it across middle and leg, Padikkal hangs back and plays it late, guiding the ball down to deep third for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Rishabh Pant presses the button as the Lucknow Super Giants take the timeout in a bid to regroup. The pressure created by the pacers through those two early strikes has eased a bit now. Rajat Patidar, after looking a touch uncomfortable against the seamers early on, has begun to settle into his innings and find his rhythm, while Devdutt Padikkal has looked busy right from the start. LSG will need the likes of Mayank Yadav, Shahbaz Ahamad and Digvesh Singh to step up and build pressure through the middle phase. Mayank returns to the attack after the break.

FOUR! Excellent placement from Rajat Patidar and 15 runs come off the over. Fractionally short and outside off, Patidar waits back well and cuts it firmly behind backward point for a boundary. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

Short ball around leg, bowled quicker at 99.5 kph. Padikkal pulls it off the back foot but straight to deep square leg for one.

Nagging length, angled well across the off stump. Padikkal stays low and punches it down past point and races back for the second run. Good, positive running.

Fuller this time, on middle and leg, clipped away through mid on for a single.

SIX! Rajat Patidar opens his arms now. A half-tracker on off, Patidar picks it early, rocks back and tonks it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 50 UP FOR RCB.

Well-fielded! Dragged length, wide outside off, Padikkal has to reach for it and he angles it wide of the short third fielder. Prince Yadav over there scampers to his left and stops it with an outstretched left hand, keeping it down to a single.

Time for spin as Digvesh Singh comes on.

Dug in short again, but slower and around leg stump. DDP controls the pull well and gets it down to deep backward square leg for a single. 168 more needed off 78 balls.

FOUR! Hammered away. Prince goes short and digs it in just outside off, Devdutt Padikkal goes deep in the crease and leans back before flat-batting it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

A single to end the Powerplay, and RCB are 40/2 after 5.4 overs. Back of a length, in the channel outside off, Patidar hangs back and pushes it down behind point for a run.

Hard length, angled across off, Padikkal comes forward and glides it down to deep third for a single.

That's gone high and into the vacant spaces in the outfield. Fullish length on the pads, Padikkal flicks it off the legs but gets it off the inner half of the blade. The ball goes high but not long enough, landing well to the right of the long leg fielder. Two taken.

Good running. Good-length delivery at 138.8 kph, darting back into the stumps. Patidar taps it to mid off and pinches a quick single.

Prince Yadav is back on.

Into the surface, on off. DDP pats it to mid off from the crease.

FOUR! A shot of high quality. Bowled on a good length, on middle from around the wicket. Padikkal shimmies down the track a bit and also backs away to open up the off side. He slams it over wide mid off for a boundary.

Around the off stump, on the shorter side. Rajat steers it behind point and crosses over.

How did that miss the stumps? With an upright seam, on a nagging length, just outside the off stump. Patidar looks to play this one off the back foot but the ball shoots through to go under the vertical bat and sneaks past the off pole.

A loose shot but Patidar gets away with it. Shami drags the length back and this is outside off. A tentative prod by Rajat and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.

FOUR! Lovely shot! This is on a length, on off. Patidar leans into the shot and plays a punchy drive. He times it well and beats the cover-point fielder to his left to pick up a boundary.

Mohammad Shami to continue...

Tight single! Hits the hard length, on off. Patidar drops it with soft hands in front of point and hurries to the other end. Nicholas Pooran picks it up and has a shy at the batting end. He misses the stumps but the ball catches Padikkal on the leg, who falls over after completing the run.

FOUR! Not in complete control, but Patidar will take it. Mayank serves the bumper, over the right shoulder. Patidar gets his hands high and just swings across ungainly, having taken his eyes off the ball. It is aerial for a moment but in the gap to the left of deep backward square leg.

Fuller and attacking the front pad, this is flicked to mid-wicket.

Beaten! In the corridor of uncertainty, skidding through, on a nagging length. Patidar stays leg side and looks to run it down but misses.

Dug in short now under the right armpit. Padikkal gets on his toes and gets on top of the bounce to fend it beside the strip on the leg side for one.

Oh, that kept a bit low. 150.1 kph first up by Mayank, angling across, on a back of a length. Devdutt Padikkal flashes but the ball goes under the bat and surprisingly, does not carry to Rishabh Pant, who collects it on the bounce.

Time for some blistering pace as Mayank Yadav has now been handed the ball. Just his second outing this season.

Nice and tight, bowled on a hard length, over off. Devdutt stands tall and works it to the right of backward point for another single.

Goes wide on the crease and serves it on a short of a length, outside off. DDP steers it straight to the man at short third.

Keeps it in and around the off stump. Patidar rides the bounce and guides it behind point for a single.

Fuller and coming back in, on middle. Rajat punches it to cover.

A jaffa from Shami! Bowled with an upright seam, slanting in, on a back of a length, over off. Patidar has a feel for the delivery and the ball holds its line to go past the outside edge.

Hurls it at 140.4 kph, on a short of a length, outside off. Padikkal gets on his toes and steers it to deep backward point for a run.

Going across the left-hander, DDP walks down the track and runs it down to deep third for a single.

SIX! Have some of that, says Devdutt. Fractionally short but the line is a bit too straight, at the hips. Fast hands from Padikkal as he hops and shovels it over backward square leg for a biggie.

Pulls the length back a bit, shaping back in, on middle and leg. Devdutt Padikkal clips it to mid-wicket.

Curving away a bit, on a length. Patidar taps it through point and gets off the mark with a single.

Prince gets the King and RCB are in early trouble here. Skipper, Rajat Patidar, is in next.

OUT! TIMBER! The off stump has been uprooted. Prince Yadav is thrilled to bits, and why wouldn't he be? He gets the prized scalp of the chase master. At 140.4 kph, on a good length, landing just outside the line of the off stump. Kohli hangs back to deal with it and looks to play the line by getting his hands out in front. The ball lands on the seam and nips back to beat Virat on the inside edge before clattering into the off stump. A two-ball duck for Kohli.

Right on the money! Hits the top of off first up, does Prince. Kohli covers the line and makes a watchful block.

A productive first over for Shami and LSG. It will be Prince Yadav to bowl from the other end. Also, just to remind everyone of the revised playing conditions, the Powerplay will last for 5.4 overs, instead of 6 overs.

Goes past the bat! Moving away, fractionally short. Padikkal has a waft away from his body and is beaten on the outside edge.

Jacob Bethell's lean run in the IPL continues. Devdutt Padikkal walks out to bat now, at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Mohammad Shami strikes early. Not the best of catching technique, but it gets the job done for Prince Yadav and LSG. Seam-up ball, bowled on a good length, outside off. Bethell extends his hands and looks to go down the ground, more over mid on. He swings at it but ends up slicing it off the outer half. It is skied towards deep backward point, where Prince moves to his left and settles under it. Neither hands pointing upwards nor downwards, something in between but he manages to grab it close to his chest.

FOUR! Untidy by Prince Yadav. Shami delivers it on a short of a length, Bethell lets the ball come to him and gets on top of the bounce. He plays it late and dabs it with an open bat face behind point. Prince Yadav moves to his left and gets low to make the stop. The ball bursts through his hands and trickles behind into the fence.

Slightly too straight, on a good length. Bethell walks down the track to negate the swing. He misses out on the tickle and the ball goes off the pads to deep fine leg for a couple of leg byes.

Wide! Pushes the length up and finds a bit of away shape but this goes beyond the tramline. Bethell goes hard on the drive but fails to connect.

Closer to the off stump at 138.2 kph, on a back of a length. Bethell gets on his toes to punch it away but ends up bunting it beside the strip on the off side.

Wide! Shami errs again as this is well wide on off, on the shorter side. Jacob throws his hands at the ball but misses.

An absolute ripper from Shami! Goes wide on the crease on the around-the-wicket angle. Angled in on the off pole, on a nagging length. Bethell presents a straight bat for the block but the ball straightens enough to go past the outside edge.

Wide! RCB are on the board with this extra. Shami bashes the hard length, a bit too wide, Bethell flashes but fails to connect.

SIX! Incredible shot. Rishabh Pant finishes the innings with a flourish. Salam stays full and attacks the sticks. Pant stands with an open stance and gets low to get under the ball. Plays the reverse over backward point, and it goes all the way. 16 runs off the final over. LSG finish with 209/3.

FOUR! That went to the fence in a flash. Salam goes full this time but fails to get the yorker in. Mid off is inside the circle and Pant gives himself a bit of room to hammer it to the right of mid off for four more. 200 UP FOR LSG.

FOUR! Nicely done! Salam drags the length back a bit and tries to tuck the batter up for room. Pant has a heave across the line and picks the gap between deep square leg and deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Pace taken off, on a nagging length, outside off. Markram reaches out and hits it to the left of extra cover for one.

Krunal Pandya makes no mistake this time. Aiden Markram walks out to bat. Just 4 balls to go. Can LSG get past 200?

OUT! CAUGHT! Krunal Pandya just about hangs onto it. Angled into the left-hander from around the wicket, on a good length. Pooran gets the front leg out of the way and swings away on the leg side with the angle of the ball. This comes off the bottom half of the bat and Nicholas does not get the desired distance. Hits it only as far as deep backward square leg, where Krunal Pandya gets low and takes the catch in front of the ropes. The ball threatens to pop out of his grasp but he holds onto it.

Dug in short, pace taken off, outside off. Pant gets his hands high and slaps it to deep cover. Just a single.

Rasikh Salam to bowl the final over of the innings.

Keeps it nice and full, wide on off, Pooran frees his hands and slams it to the left of deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Full and pushed across, Pant swings a bit too hard and loses his shape. He swings himself off his feet and it is miscued to long on for one.

DROPPED! A tough chance but a chance nonetheless. Very full, wide on off. Pooran reaches out and throws his hands at the ball. Slices it off the outer half to deep backward point, where Krunal Pandya charges across to his left and dives but can't cling on. They cross.

FOUR! Off the edge! Low full toss, near the tramline. Pooran flashes and flashes hard at the ball. It goes off the outside edge and beats the diving Josh Hazlewood at short third to his left.

Gets the yorker in spot-on, flirting with the tramline. Pooran fails to squeeze it out. He has a word with Rishabh Pant at the other end but eventually decides against the review.

Full and on off, this is smacked wide of extra cover to his right. The sub fielder, Jordan Cox sprints to his left in the deep and puts in a dive to save a couple of runs for his side.

SIX! All the way! Josh Hazlewood gets the yorker wrong again. It is a low full toss, on off. Rishabh swings hard to go big on the off side. Carves it over extra cover and it lands on the boundary cushions on the full.

What a start from the LSG skipper. Josh Hazlewood is under some pressure here.

Wide! Down leg, on the shorter side, Pant swivels to get it away but misses.

A superb effort from Jacob Bethell! Full marks for the commitment. Low full toss by Hazlewood, on middle. Pant hangs low and heaves it away to deep mid-wicket. It goes flat towards Bethell, who runs in off the ropes and dives forward. The ball drops just under his hands. It clips his fingertips and rolls to his left. Two runs taken. Looks like he has suffered a cut on the fingertips and trudges off to receive medical attention.

Wide! Dug in short, over middle and leg. Rishabh Pant attempts the hook but misses. Too high for the umpire's liking. Wide given for height.

FOUR! The bat goes one way and the ball the other. Across off, full toss, Rishabh Pant swings with all his might. He loses the grip on the bat and it flies out of his hand behind square leg. The ball gets skewed off the outer half and past backward point for four more.

FOUR! Gets it away! Low full toss, on the pads, a poor delivery by Hazlewood and it gets the treatment. Pant gets low for the sweep and gets it fine down to deep fine leg for a boundary.

Into the surface, over middle. Rishabh Pant gives the bowler the charge and has a swipe across the line but the ball skids through to go under the blade.

That is the end of Mitchell Marsh. The skipper, Rishabh Pant, replaces the centurion at the crease.

OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Marsh holes out! He throws his head back and has a wry smile on his face. Hazlewood goes searching for the yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, outside off. Mitchell reaches out and takes it on the full. He connects well, but neither is there any elevation, nor is it in the gap. Hits it flat and straight down the throat of deep point, where Jacob Bethell takes a reverse cup catch. End of a top knock from 'The Bison.'

STRATEGIC BREAK! Two overs after the rain break and LSG have managed to pick up 20 runs without losing a wicket. With 3 overs to go, they will be looking to surpass the 200-run mark, and with plenty of batting to come, if they fail to do so, it would be a disappointing end for them. RCB have an over each left of their three frontline pacers, but will they take a risk and give Suyash Sharma an over here? We shall find out. Let's see which team manages to head into the break with momentum on their side. Josh Hazlewood is back on to finish his spell.

SIX! Nicholas Pooran rescues the over for LSG! Back of a length slower ball, on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran swivels and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Dropped! Excellent effort, but it will go down as a dropped catch. A full toss, on off, Mitchell Marsh looks to loft it, but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It carries towards long on. Devdutt Padikkal charges to his left and dives to take the catch, but fails to hold onto it. The batters collect a single.

Another single. Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes slightly shorter, on off, and slower too. Nicholas Pooran pulls it through mid-wicket for another single.

Excellent bowling from Bhuvi. A yorker, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh knocks it to mid off for a single.

Another wide yorker, Nicholas Pooran looks to slap it but miscues it to the left of the keeper. They collect a quick single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes into the attack and bowls a wide yorker, Nicholas Pooran reaches out to it and chops it to the fielder at short third.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-0-14-0).

No, it doesn't cost much, just a single. Back of a length, on leg, Nicholas Pooran takes a step forward and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Will the extra delivery cost Rasikh Salam?

Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone. Wide called.

FOUR! Excellent placement from Nicholas Pooran! An attempted yorker but ends up as a low full toss, outside off. Nicholas Pooran opens the face of the bat and guides it through backward point for a boundary. The 150 is up for LSG.

Good over so far from Rasikh Salam. Too full, outside off, Mitchell Marsh steers it to backward point for a single.

Another single. Hard length, on off, Nicholas Pooran chips it over wide mid on for one more.

A yorker, outside off, Mitchell Marsh digs it through covers for another run.

Rasikh Salam bowls a slower one, on off, Nicholas Pooran pushes it to cover for a single.

We are all set for the game to resume. The RCB players are waiting for the umpires to take the field. Here they come. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh also make their way out to the centre. Rasikh Salam to start the proceedings with the ball. Pooran is on strike. Let's go...

9.46 pm IST (4.16 pm GMT) - The umpires are heading out for an inspection. No umbrellas in sight, and off come the covers. Let's hope it is for good this time. Play is all set to resume at 10 pm IST (4.30 pm GMT). It will now be a 19-overs-per-side game. 4 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 4 overs, and the Powerplay in the 2nd innings will last 5.4 overs. The target for RCB will be adjusted via the DLS method.

9.30 pm IST (4 pm GMT) - Good news! It has stopped raining, and the covers are coming off. The resumption looks imminent, with the RCB players waiting on the sidelines. Scratch that, as the camera pans towards the floodlights, we can see a bit of mizzle in the air. As a result, the covers are being put back on. The wait continues.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

9.24 pm IST (3.54 pm GMT) - The rain has gotten heavier, and the ground staff come on with the covers. The square has been covered, and we will have another interruption in play. The stoppages usually do not help the batting side, but Mitchell Marsh has remained undeterred tonight. We had already lost 47 minutes, and with this latest delay, it now looks highly likely that we will lose overs. Stay tuned for more news.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

SIX! What a shot! Full and wide outside off, Mitchell Marsh takes a step forward, turns it into a half volley, and slams it over extra covers for a biggie. 20 runs off the over.

The rain is back. It is not heavy enough just yet for the players to come off.

Just inside the tramline. Hard length, outside off, and it shapes in a tad. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

FOUR! HUNDRED UP FOR MARSH IN JUST 49 BALLS! An attempted yorker, but it ends up as a low full toss, outside off, Mitchell Marsh picks it well and smacks it through point for a boundary. This has been a scintillating knock from Mitchell Marsh and his teammates are all smiles in the dugout.

FOUR! Straight down the ground! Mitchell Marsh moves to 97 now. Nice and full, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh gets his left leg away and drills it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Hard length, on off, Mitchell Marsh knocks it to the right of long on for a brace. Good running between the wickets.

FOUR LEG BYES! A poor start from Romario Shepherd! Sprays it down leg, Mitchell Marsh tries to help it fine but the ball brushes his pads and races away to the fence at fine leg.

Romario Shepherd has been called into the attack. RCB's 6th bowling option of the night.

Good comeback from Krunal Pandya after the six off the first ball. A bumper, on middle, Mitchell Marsh tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

A tad fuller, outside off, Mitchell Marsh taps it to the cover fielder.

Quicker, outside off, just inside the tramline. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone, thinking it will be a wide. Nothing from the umpire.

Wide! Krunal Pandya bowls it way outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone. Wide called.

There comes the short ball. Bangs it short, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

Fires it outside off, Mitchell Marsh throws his bat at it and slashes it through backward point for a brace.

SIX! All the way and into the stands! Krunal Pandya starts with a fuller one, on middle, Mitchell Marsh takes a step forward and tonks it down the ground as the ball sails into the stands beyond long on.

A change of ends for Krunal Pandya (3-0-21-1).

Six singles in the over, top stuff from 'The Hoff.' He nails the yorker at the toes and all Marsh can do is dig it out through mid on for a run.

Full and angled in towards middle and leg, clipped away through mid on for a run. Excellent over thus far from Hazlewood.

Goes full and wide this time, delivered from wide on the crease as well. Marsh reaches out and squeezes it past point for a fourth straight single in the over.

Josh comes around the wicket to Pooran now and goes for another yorker at the stumps, gets it spot-on too. Pooran eases it down to long on for one more.

Well bowled! A straight yorker from Hazlewood, right on the money. Mitchell Marsh jams it out to the right of extra cover, where Rajat Patidar dives and deflects it down to long off for a single.

Hard length, darting it across from leg to middle. Pooran tucks it down through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Running repairs with the bat for Mitchell Marsh. Josh Hazlewood is back for his 3rd over. 2-0-25-0 so far for Hazlewood.

A dot to end, but 11 runs come off the over. Rasikh jams in a yorker, just outside off, Marsh goes deep in the crease and digs it into the turf, and back to the bowler.

Back of a length, angled into the batter, Pooran pulls it down to deep backward square leg for a run.

FOUR! And again. Similar line and length from the previous ball, drilled to the left of Romario Shepherd at deep point this time for another boundary.

FOUR! Wow, what timing! Full and wide outside off, Nicholas Pooran plays a lovely square drive and the ball beats the chasing deep point fielder to his right.

Over the wicket now to the right-hander, pace off again, pushing it wide outside off. Marsh slaps it towards deep point and picks up another single. 100 UP FOR LSG!

Slower one from around the wicket, on a good length, and nudged down to short third for a single.

It will be pace from the other end in the form of Rasikh Salam. He went for 16 runs in his only over so far.

A bit fuller and around off, punched away towards cover. Just 3 runs and a wicket off the over, LSG are 98/1 after 10 overs.

Flatter one on the pads, neatly tucked away into the vacant space at square leg and the batters pick up a couple of runs.

Another one. KP brings out the bumper again, and this time Nicky P swats it down to long on for a single.

A bouncer to greet the new batter. Krunal gets lower in his trajectory and brings out the bumper, bowling it just outside off. Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone.

In walks Nicholas Pooran at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! A short return to the crease for Arshin Kulkarni and RCB get their first wicket. Held back a bit by Krunal Pandya, bowled on a good length and at the stumps. Kulkarni steps out and makes a bit of room, trying to go over covers. He gets the connection but not the elevation and Rajat Patidar at short extra cover takes a smart catch. The end of a 95-run opening stand for LSG.

Length ball on off, Arshin Kulkarni backs away and wallops the ball but straight to the short extra cover fielder.

We are all set for the action to resume. Alan Wilkins informs that we have lost 47 minutes so far out of the buffer time of 60 minutes, before overs start getting reduced. Let's hope we have seen the last of the rain, and there are no further interruptions. Mitchell Marsh and Arshin Kulkarni are all set to resume their innings. Not easy with the break in play, but LSG will want Arshin to get a move on. Krunal Pandya to bowl. Arshin to face the first ball after the rain delay. Here we go...

8.45 pm IST (3.15 pm GMT) - An inspection is currently underway. Only the square was covered, and the uncovered areas of the outfield will be the main focus for the umpires and ground staff. Right, we have the official word. The match will resume from 9 pm IST (3.30 pm GMT), and importantly, there is no reduction in overs.

8.37 pm IST (3.07 pm GMT) - The rain has eased, but the fourth umpire is still holding his umbrella up. The members of the ground staff are on standby on the edge of the covers, waiting for a green signal. And there comes the signal, as the ground staff begin peeling the covers off. The Super Sopper is buzzing across the outfield. The RCB players have begun to gather around the dugout. and we should have a resumption soon.

8.22 pm IST (2.52 pm GMT) - The drizzle has intensified enough for the umpires to call for the covers. The ground staff have been quick to cover the square with a big blue sheet. Unfortunately, it does look like a steady shower, but let's hope it clears up soon. We have a buffer time of 60 minutes before we start losing overs, out of which around 10 minutes have already been used up by the earlier spell of rain. Stick around for further updates.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Kulkarni is trying to break free now, but again, the timing just isn't there. Tossed up on a length, Kulkarni dances down the track but gets it high on the bat, hitting it aerially but well short of long off for one more. 9 off the over.

Suyash gives it a lot more air, tossing it up full and on off. Marsh strokes it through mid off for a single.

It has started to drizzle again and is getting heavier, but we continue for now. The ground staff are gathering around the covers on the sidelines.

FOUR! That's raw power from 'The Bison.' Fractionally short again, over off stump, Marsh rocks onto the backfoot and swings it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Dragged length, outside off, Kulkarni stays put and throws his arms at it, hitting it over the cover region for one more.

Oh, Marsh will feel he's missed out here. Quick and short, around off, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and swats it across to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Tossed up, very full and on middle, heaved away to the left of deep mid-wicket for one.

Suyash Sharma to continue. Rajat Patidar is off the field for the moment.

Follows Mitchell Marsh down leg, Marsh tries to flick it, but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards the cover fielder. Dot.

FOUR! This is a brilliant display of batting from Mitchell Marsh! Short and wide, Mitchell Marsh throws his hands at it and cuts it over backward point for a boundary.

A low full toss, outside off, Arshin Kulkarni drives it through covers for a single.

Follows the batter down leg again, Arshin Kulkarni shuffles across and pushes it to the left of the bowler. Dot again.

Short again, on leg, Arshin Kulkarni backs away and slaps it, but finds the cover fielder.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

Krunal Pandya (1-0-12-0) returns to the attack, replacing Josh Hazlewood.

Past the edge! Turn and bounce, just outside off, Arshin Kulkarni presses back and looks to cut it but gets beaten.

Much better from Suyash Sharma. Short, turning in, Arshin Kulkarni taps it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Arshin Kulkarni joins the party! Much shorter from Suyash Sharma, outside off, Arshin Kulkarni picks it well and cuts it to the left of backward point for a boundary.

Slows it up, outside off, Mitchell Marsh eases it to extra cover for a quick single.

SIX! There is no stopping Mitchell Marsh tonight! Suyash Sharma goes short, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh swivels and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Suyash Sharma comes into the attack and bowls a fuller one, on off, Arshin Kulkarni taps it to cover for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! What a Powerplay for LSG, no wickets lost and plenty of runs on the board. The Ekana has been a low-scoring venue this season but Rishabh Pant did mention at the toss that this wicket is the best one they have seen here this season and 180-190 is a possibility. It does seem like the ball is coming onto the bat well, but let's see if the middle phase brings a change in the equation, as once the ball gets older, it does get difficult for the new batters to settle in at this venue. With that said, Suyash Sharma comes into the attack now.

FOUR! Was in the air for a while, but in the gap! Good length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and drives it uppishly to the left of cover for a boundary. He is in some mood. Lucknow Super Giants are cruising at 68 for no loss at the end of Powerplay.

Josh Hazlewood gets away with this. A half volley, outside off, Mitchell Marsh drives it hard but finds the fielder at cover.

Hard length, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of his bat towards the fielder at mid-wicket. Dot.

FOUR MORE! Streaky, but they all count! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh tries to flick it but gets a thick inside edge. The ball races through short fine leg for a boundary.

FOUR! FIFTY up for Mitchell Marsh! A 20-ball half-century, the fastest of his IPL career, according to the on-air commentators. Hard length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and steers it through backward point for a boundary. Marsh will be keen to convert this into a big score.

Josh Hazlewood slows it up, on off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and punches it to the cover fielder.

Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. He went for 13 runs in his first over.

Good length, on off, Arshin Kulkarni pushes it to the cover fielder.

Down the leg side, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and drops at his feet. They collect a quick leg bye.

FOUR! It is difficult to stop Mitchell Marsh at the moment! Back of a length, outside off, and slower too. Mitchell Marsh stays back and cuts it magnificently through point for a boundary.

Well bowled! Back-of-the-hand slower one, on a back of a length. Marsh pokes at it but is outfoxed and is beaten all ends up.

SIX! Brilliant effort in the deep. Rasikh Salam goes full, on off, Marsh stays back and launches it down the ground. The sub fielder, Jordan Cox, on the long off fence, takes the catch and flicks the ball in before going over the ropes. The umpire checks, and it shows that his foot was touching the fence when he had the ball in his hand. With this, 50 comes up for LSG.

Has Jordan Cox managed to stop the six? A brilliant effort from the substitute fielder, and the catch was always very improbable, but he did manage to flick the ball back in. However, replays show that Cox did touch the boundary ropes and it will be a six.

SIX! The onslaught continues from Mitchell Marsh! Welcome to the attack, Rasikh Salam. He goes short, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh stands his ground and muscles it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Double change? Yes. Rasikh Salam comes into the attack now.

A bit of air given this time, full and on off, Arshin plays a punchy drive to cover.

Full and quick, on middle, Marsh pushes it to long off and turns the strike over.

SIX! Stand and deliver! Floated up, full and around the off stump. There is a hint of away turn. A step hit by Marsh as he uses his reach to good effect and clobbers it over wide long on for half a dozen.

FOUR! Up and over! Pushed through, full and wide on off, Marsh stays leg side and gets low to get under the ball. He lofts it over cover and picks up a boundary.

Following the batter with a full ball as he backs away. Marsh swings at it but miscues it off the inner half to square leg.

Edgy! Speared in, full and attacking the front pad. Arshin Kulkarni looks to clip it away on the leg side with a closed bat face. The ball grips and spins away a bit to catch a soft leading edge. It rolls through mid off for one.

Marsh on the charge and LSG are off to a pretty decent start here. Now, Krunal Pandya comes in to replace Josh Hazlewood.

SIX! My word! That is some strike. Mitchell Marsh is dealing only in sixes. Bhuvi rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it on a length, outside off. Marsh is allowed to free his arms and he takes full toll. He extends his hands before pumping it over cover for his third six.

Very full, wide on off, Arshin leans forward and drives it along the carpet to deep point for a run.

High full toss but below the waist, on middle and leg. Arshin tucks it to mid-wicket.

PUT DOWN! A tough chance goes down. Fractionally short, on off, Arshin Kulkarni stands tall and spanks it back towards the bowler. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets both hands together to his right as the ball comes to him at thigh height. The ball does not stick in his grasp and drops to the ground.

Pace off by Bhuvi, on a length, on off. Kulkarni gets on the front foot, looking to go up and over mid off. He is early into the lofted hit but manages to clear Rajat Patidar at mid off. Patidar turns around and goes after it to haul it in as Arshin collects a couple.

Pitched up, on off, Arshin eases it to mid off.

Good stop! Hazlewood serves it on a short of a length, on off, Marsh hangs back and steers it behind point. Krunal Pandya puts in a dive to his left and saves a certain boundary.

SIX! High and long enough! This is on a length, outside off. Marsh presses onto the front foot and swings through the line with no half measures. It comes off the toe end of the blade but enough for Mitchell to pick up a six. Oh, no, the replays show that the ball pinged a cameraman on the side on his forehead, who was stationed beyond the long off fence.

Bashes the hard length, on middle and leg. Marsh walks down the track to work it away on the leg side but the ball stands up a bit on him and catches him near the shoulder of the blade before dropping on the strip.

Welcome back to the action. The umpires and the players are back out in the middle. Josh Hazlewood is all set to resume his over, bowling to Mitchell Marsh, with Arshin Kulkarni at the non-striker's end.

UPDATE - 7.43 pm IST (2.13 pm GMT) - Well then, it seems we will actually have a quick resumption in the play as the umpires are out in the middle and off go the covers. The players are gearing up to go again as well.

There's a light drizzle right now and it is starting to get heavier by the minute. Wow, out of nowhere, the rain descends and on come the covers. There was heavy rain last night in Lucknow, but this looks like a passing shower and there's no forecast of rain tonight in Lucknow. The umpires and the players are hovering around the boundary ropes as well. Let's hope that this is a short pause in play and nothing more. Stay tuned for further updates.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Honing in on the off stump, on a back of a length. The ball stays a bit low but Marsh adjusts well to keep it out on the off side.

Good comeback by Hazlewood. Drags the length back and attacks the sticks. Marsh hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

SIX! There's the first six of the night! Hazlewood pushes the length up, in line with the off stump. Marsh puts his head down and swings through the line with a straight bat. The bat turns slightly in his hand but the connection is decent enough to clear the long off fence.

Wide! Josh Hazlewood hits the back of a length but sprays it beyond the tramline. Mitchell Marsh premeditatively gives the bowler the charge but the ball is out of his reach and he lets it be.

A tidy start for both teams. A bit of movement for Bhuvi but Marsh and Kulkarni manage to see off the first over. It doesn't get much easier though, as Josh Hazlewood is to bowl from the other end.

On a good length, but Kumar strays on the pads. Arshin walks inside the line of the ball and flicks it through backward square leg. Romario Shepherd mops it up in the deep once again by getting around from deep fine leg. Another brace for the youngster.

A better line this time, in the channel on off, on a short of a length. This is punched on the up to point by Arshin.

A little too straight, sliding onto the pads. Kulkarni leans across the line of the ball, brings his wrists into play and clips this length ball behind square leg. Romario Shepherd gets around to his left in the deep and tidies up. Arshin opens his account with a couple of runs.

A bit too wide, but it sneaks inside the tramline. Arshin Kulkarni gets closer to the line of the ball but eventually lets it go. The ball does not carry and goes on the bounce to Jitesh Sharma.

Marsh and LSG are underway. Bhuvneshwar brings it back into the right-hander, and this is fuller in length. Mitchell brings his bat out in front and knocks it to the left of mid on before hurrying to the other end.

Lovely shape first up for Bhuvi. Moving away in the air, bowled on a good length. Mitchell Marsh watchfully shoulders arms.

All in readiness for the game to begin. The umpires make their way out to the middle and the players of RCB can be seen forming a huddle near the boundary ropes before taking their places on the field. It will be a new opening pair for LSG as Arshin Kulkarni joins Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball in hand. He becomes the first pacer to play 200 IPL matches and he's raring to go. Let's play...

Impact sub options for RCB - Tim David, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal and Venkatesh Iyer.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma and Rasikh Salam.

Impact sub options for LSG - Mayank Yadav, Mukul Choudhary, Abdul Samad, Manimaran Siddharth and Avesh Khan.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni (In for Josh Inglis), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad (In for Manimaran Siddharth), Digvesh Singh, Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav.

The captain of the Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant says that they know they have top players, but they need to get clarity on what to do. Pant informs that Josh Inglis and Mohsin Khan are injured, which has forced them to make a few changes. Rishabh shares that they know they have top players, but they need to get clarity on what to do. He further says that they need to adapt to the conditions and they need to try a few more things. He ends by saying that the wicket looks good, and it looks like a 180-190 wicket.

The skipper of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar gets a rousing response to winning the toss and appreciates RCB getting support everywhere they play. He opts to bowl first and feels that the matches here have been low scoring, and they will look to restrict the opposition to a low score. Patidar mentions that the break was a good one and everyone is looking forward to this match. Ends by saying that they are going with the same team.

Rajat Patidar calls it correctly. Royal Challengers Bengaluru opt to BOWL first.

TOSS - Time for the coin to go up in Lucknow.

Words from the LSG camp - Mitchell Marsh says that they have to get back to winning ways, as it has been a disappointing run so far. Believes that two or three bad overs can lose you the game, so they need to overcome that. He adds that they had a good last year and they scored a lot of runs, but this season they haven't done well so far. Marsh says that he has played Josh Hazlewood in the nets, so hopefully he can get on top of him. Admits that RCB are a formidable side and it's a tough challenge for them tonight.

A quick chat with RCB's ace pacer - Josh Hazlewood says that they've had a nice break, and it feels like it's been quite a while since they played a game, but they have had some good practice in the last couple of days. On playing as defending champions, Josh says that it gives them a boost, but yes, there's a bit of pressure as well, as everyone else is trying to knock you off. On playing in Lucknow, Josh says that he's played quite a bit here and generally, the bowlers have the chance to restrict opposition to a lower total, but also feels that they've generally bowled really well as a unit. On Virat Kohli, Hazlewood says that he's going well and so are the top three, which is crucial for them. Also, on playing against fellow Aussies like Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, he says that it's fun because there's a bit of cat and mouse always going on.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta is pitchside along with Aaron Finch. Deep mentions that it is a pleasant evening in Lucknow, with a bit of cloud cover around as well. He adds that this has been one of the few venues this season where the bowlers have enjoyed better returns than the batters. As for the dimensions, one square boundary stands at 69 metres, the other at 64 metres, while it is 74 metres straight down the ground. Dasgupta informs that the average first-innings score at the venue this season has been 155. Aaron observes a few cracks on the surface and feels the wicket looks quite abrasive. He reckons that once the shine goes off the ball, it could start holding in the surface. Further says that hard lengths could be difficult to score off during the middle phase of the innings. Dasgupta points out that this is a black-soil surface, which generally offers less bounce and turn compared to the red-soil or mixed-composition wickets. Given the conditions, Aaron feels the ideal decision would be to win the toss and bowl first, and Deep is in agreement as well.

Let the game begin! The stage is set, and the players are ready. Will LSG’s bowling attack, led by Mohammad Shami, find a way to stop the RCB batters? Or will the visitors prove too strong once again? This rivalry has given us some legendary moments over the years, and we expect nothing less today. The toss is just moments away, so stay tuned, it’s time for some high-octane cricket action.

RCB are looking solid - On the other side, RCB are looking to solidify their spot in the top four. They’ve got Virat Kohli in sensational form, chasing the Orange Cap, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar is leading the Purple Cap race with his fiery spells. Despite a minor slip-up in their last game, the defending champs look dangerous. With Rajat Patidar and Tim David ready to clear the ropes, and Padikkal in his best form, they’ll be aiming to bounce back to winning ways tonight.

It's a must-win game for LSG - For the Lucknow Super Giants, the equation is simple. They must win every game to stay alive. Rishabh Pant and his men have had a rocky road so far, sitting at the bottom of the points table. They’ll be leaning heavily on Nicholas Pooran, who found his form in the last match, and hoping that Mitchell Marsh provides a flying start. The home crowd is desperate to see their stars click and keep those playoff hopes flickering.

Welcome to the Ekana! Hello everyone, and welcome to the 50th match of this IPL season. It’s a warm evening, and the atmosphere is electric for this massive clash. We have the home team, Lucknow Super Giants, taking on the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It’s a battle of two teams at opposite ends of the table, but in the IPL, anything can happen.

... MATCH DAY ...

Test of strength and character - The IPL 2026 has reached that deliciously tense stretch where every game starts to feel like a soft knockout. The points table is no longer a broad highway, it is a narrowing lane, and only a handful of teams are still in control of their own fate. Five, maybe six teams still have a believable claim. The rest are either clinging on or waiting to meddle. And lately, meddling has become an art form. The sides comfortably perched at the top have been nudged, even rattled, by teams with little to show for their season. It has added a bit of a layer of unpredictability in the toughest league. That is where Lucknow Super Giants enter this contest. Bottom of the standings, yes. Out of rhythm, absolutely. But also oddly free. When there is nothing left to defend, a team can become dangerously expressive. Facing the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at the Ekana Stadium, this becomes less about qualification and more about character. For Lucknow, it is a chance to prove that even a wounded team can still land a telling blow. Season of contrasts - LSG's season has not just disappointed, it has drifted. Six defeats in a row, each one chipping away in a different manner. Games they should have closed out slipped. Chases that looked routine lost direction. Even a Super Over found a way to go against them. It has been a campaign where nothing has quite clicked at the same time. The equation is now harsh, mathematically and realistically. Even a perfect finish, winning five of the remaining five games, only lifts them to 14 points, which may not be enough. They may not control their own fate anymore, but they can still influence someone else’s. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, return from a brief pause, looking to reset from their previous defeat. Their campaign has followed a curious rhythm. Losses have come, but never in clusters. Each setback has been followed by a strong response, a pattern that has kept them steady in the race. Six wins so far have given them a solid platform, and with five games to go, the path is simple. Two more victories should be enough to secure their place in the next stage. The need to find answers - LSG have spent the better part of this season doing what no team wants to do mid-campaign. Searching for the right opening pair, searching for a reliable middle-order presence, searching for any sign that this batting unit can string together a performance worthy of the names on the teamsheet. Four opening combinations tried, and the answers have still not arrived. Their average first wicket partnership this season reads a mere 26 runs, which tells the whole story. On paper, this is not a side that should be struggling. Marsh, Markram, Pooran, Pant. These are not fringe players, these are men who have won matches in far more pressured situations. And yet, consistency has remained stubbornly out of reach. Markram has flickered without quite catching fire. Mitchell Marsh, almost by default, has become their batting anchor with 256 runs, which tells its own story about how those around him have fared. Josh Inglis just arrived in the previous game with his availability finally cleared, and the team would hope he brings some form with him. Still, not everything has been bleak. Mukul Choudhary has been one of the genuine discoveries of the season, a young player announcing himself with intent. Himmat Singh, too, has shown that he belongs. But the moment that truly lifted spirits came against Mumbai, when Nicholas Pooran finally looked like himself again. 21 balls, 63 runs. Pure, unfiltered Pooran. And LSG will be desperate for that version of Pooran to stick around. The Pant problem - With Pant, there is always a caveat. His brand of batting is thrilling precisely because it operates without a safety net. But this season, it is not just that the risks have not paid off. It is the timing and the manner of his dismissals that have left the team shaking their heads. LSG can live with Pant throwing caution to the wind. What they cannot afford is losing him cheaply at the moments they need him most. Still, the LSG skipper has just over 200 runs this season, but the team and its faithful would expect a bit more responsibility and consistency from the leader. The pace of youth - If there is one department where LSG can keep their heads high, it is their bowling. The investments they have made through an all-Indian attack have given them something to cheer about. LSG are still one of the most economical bowling units in this season, barring the previous game where they leaked too many. Prince Yadav leads the wicket-taking charts for the Super Giants, while the inclusion of Mohsin Khan has brought balance and wicket-taking consistency in equal measure. He has played just five matches so far and has picked 10 wickets, including a five-for. The conveyor belt is well and truly running. And at the top of it stands Mohammed Shami. He may have been a touch expensive with the ball this season, but his value goes beyond figures. He is the one who keeps the belt moving. Title defence still on track - Despite losing their previous game to the Titans, RCB find themselves in a far more comfortable position than the result might suggest. A win here could well see them jump to the top of the points table, and they carry the best net run rate in the competition at +1.420 to back that ambition up. Six wins so far, four of them while chasing. Both departments have worked in sync, complementing each other well. For the defending champions, the machine is in good shape. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with all his gentleness, has tormented the batters so far. With 17 wickets, he not only leads the Purple Cap race but has reasserted himself as one of the IPL greats. With Josh Hazlewood alongside him at the top, RCB have found a new-ball partnership that opposing batters are losing sleep over. One probes with swing and precision, the other slams the deck hard with pace. Their consistency has made life for the second line of attack a lot easier, with the likes of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma also being among wickets more often than not. An update on Phil Salt - Phil Salt has returned to the UK for scans on a finger injury that has kept him out of the last three matches, and with no clear timeline on his return, Jacob Bethell is set to continue at the top of the order. Salt's absence leaves a void that is hard to ignore, particularly with the playoffs edging closer. Bethell has done little wrong in the opportunity given to him, but with 39 runs in three games so far, he will look to improve his credentials. Kohli leads the way - Nearing the 400-run mark, as he so habitually does, Kohli has been the picture of consistency this season. An average of 54.14, not a single single-digit score to his name, three fifties and several proactive starts besides. But perhaps the most telling number is his strike rate of 165.50, among the best in the RCB squad. This is not just Kohli accumulating; this is Kohli accelerating. The contributions beyond him have been consistent as well, with Devdutt Padikkal being in his purple patch and striking at 188 this season. The middle order hasn’t quite got an opportunity to express themselves in the last few games, but they would hope that when need be, they do the needful as well. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches, recent first) LSG - LLLLL | RCB - LWWLW. What to expect? The Ekana surface is one of the slowest this IPL. Average first innings scores have barely crept past 150, and yet a Super Over has already been produced here, which tells you everything about how closely contested these low-scoring games can get. The ball has done the talking more often than the bat, and a similar black-soil pitch is expected again. Spinners and medium-pacers who use their variations will find plenty to work with. As for the contest itself, LSG have a point to prove. RCB got the better of them in Bengaluru earlier in the season, and the overall head-to-head reads 5-2 in the RCB's favour. More pressingly, LSG are yet to beat RCB at this very ground, and Ekana has been a house of horrors for the Super Giants in general, with eight consecutive home losses piling up. The hosts will be desperate to end that run. RCB, naturally, will have other ideas.