Related Articles
The 13th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will see Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) hosting Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Both teams are coming into this clash with momentum—LSG recovered from a disappointing start to register a solid victory, while PBKS made a strong statement with a dominant win in their opening game. With the stakes high and both sides eager to build on their recent successes, this promises to be an exhilarating contest. Below is a detailed preview of the match, including team analysis, fantasy picks, pitch report, toss prediction, and winner prediction.
Match Details
| Match | LSG vs PBKS (Match 13, IPL 2025) |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 1st April 2025, 7:30 PM |
| Venue | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow |
| Recent Form | LSG: W-L-W-L-L, PBKS: W-L-W-L-L |
Team Previews
Lucknow Super Giants Preview
Lucknow Super Giants bounced back from a narrow loss against Delhi Capitals with a commanding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Nicholas Pooran has been in phenomenal form, smashing quickfire fifties consistently. His explosive batting in the middle order makes him one of the most dangerous players in the tournament. Mitchell Marsh also looks settled, providing stability alongside aggression. The likes of Rishabh Pant and David Miller haven’t fired yet but remain capable of turning matches around.
On the bowling front, Shardul Thakur has been exceptional, picking up six wickets in two games. Young pacer Prince Yadav has impressed with his discipline, while Ravi Bishnoi remains a key spinner who can break partnerships. Lucknow’s balanced squad gives them a fighting chance, especially at home where they’ll enjoy crowd support.
Punjab Kings Preview
Punjab Kings announced their arrival in IPL 2025 with a stunning performance against Gujarat Titans, posting a mammoth 243-5. Shreyas Iyer was the star of the show, scoring an unbeaten 97 off just 42 balls, showcasing his ability to dominate attacks. Priyansh Arya and Shashank Singh provided valuable contributions, highlighting the depth in their batting lineup. Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell add firepower in the middle overs, making PBKS a formidable batting unit.
Their bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen, has shown promise, though it may lack consistency against top-order batters. Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin could play a crucial role on the expected slower track at Ekana. With their fearless approach and balance, PBKS look like serious contenders for the title.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | PBKS’ explosive batting lineup, led by Shreyas Iyer and supported by Maxwell/Stoinis, gives them the edge. Their better overall balance makes them slight favorites. |
Fantasy Team XI
Fantasy Team XI Table
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Pooran | WK/Batsman | LSG |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman | PBKS |
| Priyansh Arya | Batsman | PBKS |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-Rounder | LSG |
| Glenn Maxwell | All-Rounder | PBKS |
| Shardul Thakur | Bowler | LSG |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | LSG |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler | PBKS |
| Avesh Khan | Bowler | LSG |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler | PBKS |
| Digvesh Rathi | Bowler | LSG |
Explanation
This fantasy XI balances power-hitting (Pooran, Iyer), all-round capabilities (Marsh, Maxwell), and wicket-taking bowlers (Thakur, Arshdeep). It leans slightly towards PBKS due to their stronger batting depth.
Captain and Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer (Formidable form; capable of anchoring or accelerating)
- Vice-Captain: Nicholas Pooran (Explosive hitter; consistent performer)
Players to Avoid
- Rishabh Pant: Yet to find rhythm and hasn’t contributed significantly.
- Suryansh Shedge: Inconsistent performances make him a risky pick.
Team Squads and Probable Playing XIs
Squad Tables
| Lucknow Super Giants | Punjab Kings |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant | Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer |
| David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad | Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell |
| Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan | Suryansh Shedge, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen |
| Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav | Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal |
Probable Playing XI
| Lucknow Super Giants | Punjab Kings |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant | Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer |
| David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad | Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell |
| Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan | Suryansh Shedge, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen |
| Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav | Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal |
Pitch Report
The Ekana pitch is typically balanced, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. While early swing and pace are possible, the surface slows down in the middle overs, aiding spinners. Dew is expected to play a role, favoring teams chasing totals.
Toss Prediction
Bowling first is likely to be the preferred choice due to dew setting in during the second innings.
Winner Prediction
Punjab Kings hold a slight edge due to their explosive batting lineup and better overall balance. However, Lucknow’s home advantage ensures a close contest.
Final Answer: Punjab Kings
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
