The State of Play
The Delhi Capitals desperately need wins if their season isn’t going to end before it’s barely begun.
The Capitals prop up the IPL 2024 table with just one win from their first five games and they head to Lucknow to face the Super Giants knowing time is running out on their hopes of qualifying for the next stage.
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It has been a campaign to forget for captain Rishabh Pant and coach Ricky Ponting.
Their main issue has been a bowling attack that lacks punch. Anrich Nortje has looked short of full fitness while the likes of Khaleel Ahmed and veteran Ishant Sharma have struggled to make an impact.
That was certainly evident in their most recent outing, a 29-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians who were able to score 234 from their 20 overs.
Delhi’s cause will not be helped by losing Australia all-rounder Mitch Marsh to a hamstring problem.
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LSG have been a pleasant surprise with three wins from four.
They will, however, be without young speedster Mayank Yadav for the game tomorrow. Yadav managed just one over in the win against the Gujarat Titans on Sunday before leaving the field with abdominal soreness.
LSG CEO Vinod Bisht explained afterwards the 21-year-old would have his workload managed this week and it is highly unlikely he will play tomorrow.
Yash Thakur stepped up against the Titans with five for 30 and the Super Giants will hope he can repeat the feat against the struggling Capitals.
Search Result: 💛💙 #YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2024 #LSGvDC pic.twitter.com/IiaDk4kUHR
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 10, 2024
Expected line-ups
Lucknow Super Giants: De Kock, Rahul (c, wk), Padikkal, Stoinis, Pooran, Badoni, Pandya, Bishnoi, Naveen, Thakur, Siddharth
Delhi Capitals: Shaw, Warner, Morel, Stubbs, Pant (c, wk), Patel, Yadav, Richardson, Nortje, Ahmed, Sharma
How to watch
Sky have the rights to show the IPL to UK viewers in 2024 and will broadcast every game live. Friday’s match will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket from 2.50pm BST.
In India, the games can be streamed on the Jio Cinema app and website. They are also available across the Star Sports Network.
Third home game incoming 😍💙 pic.twitter.com/UdeXbtLbSn
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 11, 2024
Prediction
The Super Giants should have too much for a Capitals side that look bereft of form and confidence.
There is always the chance the likes of Warner and Pant hit form and give the visitors a fighting chance but LSG appear too strong even without Yadav.
