The stage is set for an electrifying encounter as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) prepare to host the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 40th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 22, 2025. With both teams vying for crucial points to solidify their positions in the tournament, this clash promises to be a thrilling contest between two sides that have shown glimpses of their potential throughout the season.
In their previous meeting earlier this season in Vizag, DC edged past LSG in a nail-biting finish, chasing down a formidable total of 210 with just three balls to spare, thanks to a sensational 66 by Ashutosh Sharma. LSG, eager to turn the tables, will look to capitalize on their familiarity with the Ekana Stadium, where they have had mixed results this season. With a spin-friendly pitch and key players on both sides ready to shine, fans can expect a high-octane display of cricketing prowess in this pivotal IPL 2025 encounter.
Match Overview
The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, boasting an average first-innings score of approximately 170. Historical data indicates a balanced venue, with eight wins for teams batting first and nine for those chasing, suggesting that the toss may not be a decisive factor.
The pitch is expected to offer early assistance to batsmen but slow down as the game progresses, bringing spinners into play, which could make the battle between LSG’s Digvesh Rathi and Ravi Bishnoi and DC’s Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam a highlight. Weather conditions are forecasted to be ideal, with clear skies, temperatures between 27-30°C, and moderate humidity, ensuring an uninterrupted 40-over contest.
LSG enters this match buoyed by a thrilling two-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals. Posting 180/5, LSG relied on a solid middle-order performance, with Avesh Khan’s pinpoint yorkers in the final over proving decisive in restricting Royals to 178/5. This win highlighted LSG’s ability to defend competitive totals under pressure.
DC, conversely, suffered a setback against the Gujarat Titans, failing to defend a formidable 203/8 as the Titans chased it down comfortably. However, DC showcased their resilience in a Super Over victory against the Royals, where Mitchell Starc’s toe-crushing deliveries were instrumental. These contrasting results underline DC’s batting strength but expose vulnerabilities in their bowling unit.
Head-to-Head Records
LSG and DC have faced each other six times in the IPL, with each team securing three victories, indicating a fiercely competitive rivalry. At the Ekana Stadium, the record is evenly split at 1-1. Their most recent encounter in Vizag saw DC chase down 210 with a wicket to spare, driven by Ashutosh Sharma’s 66, giving DC a psychological edge heading into this match.
| Matches Played | 06 |
| Won by Lucknow Super Giants | 03 |
| Won by Delhi Capitals | 03 |
| Tied | 00 |
| No Result | 00 |
| First-ever Fixture | April 07, 2022 |
| Most-recent Fixture | March 24, 2025 |
Predicted Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (wk/c), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Avesh Khan
Impact Player: Ayush Badoni
Delhi Capitals (DC): Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar
Impact Player: Sameer Rizvi
LSG could see the return of fast bowler Mayank Yadav, who has been recovering from a toe injury. His inclusion, potentially replacing Prince Yadav, could add significant pace to LSG’s attack. For DC, Faf du Plessis is expected to miss at least three more matches due to injury, prompting consideration of Dushmantha Chameera, who has a strong record against Pooran (three dismissals in four innings) and familiarity with Lucknow conditions.
Match Win Prediction
The Ekana pitch, expected to favor spinners, could amplify the impact of both teams’ spin bowlers, making the spin battle a deciding factor. Historical data suggests chasing is slightly preferred at Ekana, with the highest chase this season being 181, though LSG successfully defended a 200+ total once.
While LSG may hold a slight edge due to home advantage, DC’s recent form and head-to-head success make them equally competitive. The match is likely to be a close contest, potentially decided by which team better navigates the spin challenge.
Scenario 1
- Lucknow Super Giants win the toss and bowl
- PP Score – 65-75
- DC – 160-180
- Lucknow Super Giants win the match
Scenario 2
- Delhi Capitals win the toss and bowl
- PP score – 55-65
- LSG – 180-200
- Delhi Capitals win the match
As the teams take the field, the question remains: will LSG capitalize on home conditions to exact revenge, or will DC’s spin prowess and batting depth secure another victory?
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