As the IPL 2025 season heads towards the business end, the clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 59 on Friday, May 9, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, is a crucial fixture with playoff implications for both sides.
Match Details
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Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Match 59, IPL 2025)
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Date: Friday, May 9
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Time: 7:30 PM IST
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Venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
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Live Telecast & Streaming: JioStar Network, JioHotstar app and website
Team Overview
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
LSG are currently placed seventh on the points table and are struggling to find consistent form. The team, led by Rishabh Pant, has suffered four losses in their last five games and must win all their remaining matches to keep playoff hopes alive. A win against RCB is vital to stay in the race, but it’s a tough ask given their recent form.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, are in a much stronger position. With just one more win needed to seal a playoff spot, and two wins potentially guaranteeing a top-two finish, RCB will look to continue their momentum. The Bengaluru franchise has been sharp, and their bowling unit, especially in the powerplay, has played a crucial role.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches: 5
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RCB Wins: 3
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LSG Wins: 2
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First Encounter: April 19, 2022
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Most Recent Clash: April 2, 2024
Probable Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
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Aiden Markram
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Nicholas Pooran
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Rishabh Pant (captain & wicketkeeper)
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Abdul Samad
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Ayush Badoni
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David Miller
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Akash Maharaj Singh
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Digvesh Singh Rathi
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Avesh Khan
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Mayank Yadav
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Prince Yadav
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Impact Player: Mitchell Marsh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
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Jacob Bethell
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Virat Kohli
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Devdutt Padikkal
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Rajat Patidar (captain)
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Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
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Tim David
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Krunal Pandya
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Romario Shepherd
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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Josh Hazlewood
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Yash Dayal
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Impact Player: Mayank Agarwal
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (RCB):
Kohli is in red-hot form and currently ranks fourth in the Orange Cap race with 505 runs in 11 games, including seven half-centuries. He has also scored 139 runs in five innings against LSG, making him a key threat.
Josh Hazlewood (RCB):
The Australian speedster has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches and is currently third in the Purple Cap standings. Known for his control with the new ball, Hazlewood could make an early impact in the powerplay.
Pitch Report – Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
The surface at the Ekana Stadium has been balanced so far. Batters have had their say early on, but both pacers and spinners tend to get assistance as the game progresses. It’s not a typical high-scoring venue this season, and the team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first and chase later. The weather is expected to be warm with temperatures peaking at 37°C.
Match Scenarios & Predictions
Scenario 1:
If LSG bowl first:
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RCB Powerplay: 40-50
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RCB Total: 160-170
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Prediction: RCB to win
Scenario 2:
If RCB bowl first:
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LSG Powerplay: 50-60
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LSG Total: 150-160
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Prediction: RCB to win
Final Verdict
While LSG will be playing with desperation and the backing of their home crowd, RCB’s overall form, especially in the bowling department, gives them a clear edge. With Virat Kohli in excellent touch and Hazlewood fresh and firing, Bengaluru look set to seal a spot in the playoffs with another win.
Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win Match 59.