Lucknow Super Giants host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 50 of IPL 2026 in Lucknow, with both teams at opposite ends of the points table. LSG fight to keep their playoff hopes alive, while RCB aim to strengthen their top-two position.
Match details
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Date: May 7, 2026
Time: 07:30 PM IST | 07:00 PM PKT | 02:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
Lucknow Super Giants have endured a difficult campaign, managing only two wins from nine matches. Led by Rishabh Pant, they sit at the bottom of the table and face a must-win scenario in every remaining game. Despite possessing a talented squad, inconsistency in both batting and bowling has hurt their progress.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been among the most consistent teams this season. Under Rajat Patidar, they have secured six wins in nine matches and currently occupy second place. After a recent loss, RCB will look to bounce back quickly and maintain their strong position in the standings.
Key players
Virat Kohli has been a pillar of consistency for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With 379 runs in nine matches, he has anchored the innings effectively and adapted well to varying conditions. His ability to control the tempo will be crucial on a slow Lucknow surface.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has led the bowling charts this season with 17 wickets in nine matches. His precision, swing, and variations make him a constant threat, especially on surfaces that assist disciplined bowlers.
For Lucknow Super Giants, players like Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh will need to deliver impactful performances to challenge a strong RCB unit.
Head-to-head record
Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold a clear advantage in this matchup.
Matches played: 7
Royal Challengers Bengaluru wins: 5
Lucknow Super Giants wins: 2
No result: 0
RCB also won the most recent encounter earlier this season.
Pitch report
The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is known for its slow and bowler-friendly surface. Matches here typically produce totals in the 140 to 160 range, with the pitch offering grip and assistance to bowlers who maintain tight lines. Batters need to adapt carefully, as stroke-making becomes easier only after spending time at the crease.
Probable playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav
Impact Player: Manimaran Siddharth
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood
Impact Player: Rasikh Salam Dar
Probable match scenarios
If Lucknow Super Giants bat first, they are projected to score between 165 and 175, with a powerplay range of 45 to 55. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, if chasing, could aim for 155 to 165, with a powerplay score of 40 to 50. The chasing side is expected to have a slight advantage depending on how the pitch behaves under lights.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: JioStar Network channels and JioHotstar app and website
Pakistan: IPL available via licensed broadcasters and digital platforms
UK: Coverage through official IPL broadcast partners on TV and streaming apps
Australia: Available on partner sports networks and digital services
Global: Official IPL broadcasters and streaming platforms depending on region
Match prediction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the contest as clear favorites given their superior form and consistency. Lucknow Super Giants must produce a near-perfect performance to stay in contention for the playoffs. The conditions in Lucknow favor disciplined bowling, which suits RCB’s strengths. With an 80 percent win probability and a more settled lineup, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to win, although LSG could challenge if their key players rise to the occasion.
