Sunrisers Hyderabad set the tone for a high-scoring IPL 2025 by amassing 286 for 6 in their opening game. All eyes were on them when they faced Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) inexperienced bowling attack, with many expecting the first 300-run total in IPL history. 

However, LSG delivered a stellar bowling performance, halting Sunrisers before the final overs. Now, Punjab Kings (PBKS), who posted 243 for 5 in their opening match—the second-highest total of the season—face the same challenge against LSG.

LSG allrounder Shardul Thakur has been vocal about the need for bowler-friendly pitches and will be pleased to play at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, known for assisting bowlers. However, home advantage has not necessarily worked in LSG’s favor, as they hold a balanced record at this venue. Nicholas Pooran, one of their key batters, has struggled here, averaging under 25 with a highest score of 42 across 14 matches.

Team News & Probable XIs

With PBKS boasting a predominantly right-handed batting lineup, LSG might consider introducing a left-arm spinner like Shahbaz Ahmed or M Siddharth in place of Abdul Samad. They could also explore the option of replacing Aiden Markram with Matthew Breetzke at the top of the order, though Breetzke’s recent form—no half-centuries in his last ten T20 innings—remains a concern.

Lucknow Super Giants (probable XI):

1. Aiden Markram, 2. Mitchell Marsh, 3. Nicholas Pooran, 4. Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), 5. Ayush Badoni, 6. David Miller, 7. Shahbaz Ahmed, 8. Shardul Thakur, 9. Ravi Bishnoi, 10. Prince Yadav, 11. Avesh Khan, 12. Digvesh Rathi.

On the other hand, PBKS might tweak their bowling attack to adapt to the spin-friendly conditions at Ekana. The inclusion of an extra spinner, such as Harpreet Brar, to complement Yuzvendra Chahal and Glenn Maxwell, is an option. This adjustment could come at the cost of Vijaykumar Vyshak, who impressed as an Impact Player with his death bowling against Gujarat Titans.

Punjab Kings (probable XI):

1. Priyansh Arya, 2. Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 3. Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4. Azmatullah Omarzai, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Shashank Singh, 8. Suryansh Shedge, 9. Marco Jansen, 10. Arshdeep Singh, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal, 12. Vijaykumar Vyshak/Harpreet Brar.

As PBKS prepare for their second outing, LSG will aim to replicate their disciplined bowling display and keep another big-hitting side in check.