MATCH 70 PREVIEW: WILL LUCKNOW'S SPIN OR BENGALURU'S PACE PREVAIL?

Match 70 Preview: Will Lucknow's Spin or Bengaluru's Pace Prevail?

Match 70 Preview: Will Lucknow's Spin or Bengaluru's Pace Prevail?

Blog Article

As the IPL 2025 league stage draws to a close, cricket fans turn their attention to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. On Tuesday, May 27th, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 70. While RCB will be playing with immense motivation to secure a crucial top-two finish in the playoffs, LSG will be battling for pride in front of their home crowd, aiming to end their season on a high. For every fantasy cricket enthusiast meticulously crafting their Best IPL fantasy league strategies, this encounter presents a fascinating tactical battle, particularly concerning the pitch dynamics and the strengths of each team's bowling attack.

The Ekana Pitch: A Conundrum of Conditions


The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has carved out a unique reputation in IPL 2025. Unlike the flat highways that have dominated many venues, Ekana offers a more balanced contest between bat and ball, often favoring a diverse skill set.

  • Mixed Soil, Varied Behavior: The pitch is famously a "mixed-soil" surface, blending red and black soil. The red soil typically offers good pace and bounce, allowing fast bowlers to hit the deck hard and trouble batsmen, especially with the new ball. Conversely, the black soil component provides more grip and turn, making life interesting for spinners, particularly those who rely on flight and variations.

  • Not a 200+ Guarantee: While high scores are possible, Ekana isn't a guaranteed 200+ run-fest. The average first innings score hovers around 170-180, suggesting that batsmen need to apply themselves. Bowlers, especially spinners, often find opportunities for wickets.

  • Chasing Advantage & Dew: Historically, 11 out of 21 IPL matches at this venue have been won by the chasing team. This trend is heavily influenced by the dew factor, which is expected to come into play during this evening match. As the ball gets wet and slippery, gripping becomes difficult for bowlers, particularly spinners, and the ball skids onto the bat more easily, aiding the chasing side. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly opt to bowl first.


This nuanced pitch means that the prevailing bowling strategy – whether it's Lucknow's spin prowess or Bengaluru's pace attack – will largely dictate the flow of the game.

Lucknow's Spin Web: A Familiar Home Advantage?


LSG's bowling attack, particularly at home, has historically leaned on its spin contingent. With bowlers like Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya, they have the capability to tie down opposition batsmen and pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs.

  • Ravi Bishnoi's Importance: Bishnoi, with his quick googlies and accurate leg-spin, thrives on pitches that offer even a hint of turn. If the Ekana surface offers its characteristic grip, he could be LSG's trump card, aiming to restrict runs and break partnerships.

  • Krunal Pandya's All-round Value: Krunal's economical left-arm orthodox spin, coupled with his ability to contribute with the bat, makes him a valuable asset. He can bowl tight lines and restrict scoring, building pressure for other bowlers to exploit.


However, recent reports suggest Aiden Markram may have left for national duties, which would reduce LSG's spin options if he was to bowl. LSG's challenge will be to ensure their spinners are effective despite the likely dew in the second innings. They might need to rely on their pacers, especially with the new ball, to make early inroads.

Bengaluru's Pace Battery: Firing on All Cylinders?


RCB's bowling attack, especially with the potential return of Josh Hazlewood, relies heavily on its pace battery. They have a strong contingent of fast bowlers who can generate pace, bounce, and movement.

  • Josh Hazlewood's Impact: If fit and available, Hazlewood would be a game-changer for RCB. His accuracy, ability to pick up early wickets in the powerplay, and variations in the death overs make him a formidable force. His head-to-head record against LSG is impressive, with 9 wickets in 3 matches.

  • Yash Dayal's Progress: Dayal has shown glimpses of improvement throughout the season, offering good pace and control. He will be crucial in supporting Hazlewood and containing runs.

  • Mohammed Siraj's Form: While sometimes expensive, Siraj can be incisive when he finds his rhythm, especially with the new ball. RCB will be hoping for him to provide early breakthroughs.

  • All-round Pace Options: RCB also has all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Romario Shepherd who can chip in with pace, adding depth to their attack.


Given RCB's high motivation for a top-two finish, they will likely be playing their strongest available bowling attack, looking to exert pressure from both ends.

The Decisive Clash: Spin vs. Pace on a Balanced Pitch


The question of which bowling attack will prevail ultimately depends on several factors:

  1. The Toss and Dew: If the team batting second finds the conditions easier due to dew, the chasing side's batting power will be more crucial. However, if the dew is less severe or the pitch offers significant grip early on, LSG's spinners could pose a greater threat.

  2. Execution under Pressure: RCB, with their playoff aspirations, will be under more pressure. How their pacers execute their plans against LSG's aggressive middle order will be key. Conversely, LSG's spinners will need to be precise and find ways to pick wickets even if the ball gets wet.

  3. Team Composition: LSG's playing XI might see changes due to player departures, potentially impacting their bowling balance. RCB, on the other hand, will likely go with their strongest possible lineup.


Implications for Your Vision11 Team:


For those building their Best IPL fantasy league strategies on Vision11, consider these points:

  • Batting Heavy for the Chase: If the toss happens and the chasing team is known, prioritize their top-order batsmen.

  • Balance in Bowlers: Don't neglect bowlers. Include a mix of pace and spin from both sides. A wicket-taking pacer like Josh Hazlewood (if playing) and a specialist spinner like Ravi Bishnoi are good inclusions.

  • Captaincy: While batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar are strong captaincy choices due to RCB's motivation, a dominant performance by a bowler like Hazlewood (if he rips through the batting lineup) could be a game-changer as a differential captain.

  • Stay Updated: Crucially, keep an eye on the official playing XIs and any last-minute pitch reports, as they can significantly impact your selections.


The LSG vs RCB encounter promises a captivating contest, with the battle between Lucknow's spin and Bengaluru's pace being a central theme on the balanced Ekana pitch. It will be a true test of adaptability, execution, and strategy, offering plenty of excitement for cricket fans and fantasy players alike.

Report this page