For SRH, the first match of this season seemed like a continuation from the last edition. Their bowlers were clobbered to all parts of the ground as they conceded 210 runs. Washington Sundar went for 47 runs in his three overs and T Natarajan for 43 in four even though he picked up two wickets at the death.
SRH’s batting was below par as well. They lost half their side for 37 and by the time Aiden Markram (57*) and Sundar (40 off 14) made an impact, the match was well beyond the team’s reach. Skipper Kane Williamson will need to find a way to inspire the team. Things are not looking bright for them this season too.
SRH predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Kane Williamson (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Washington Sundar, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Umran Malik
Lucknow’s bowling was disappointing against Chennai as they conceded 200-plus. But they would be equally pleased the way they chased down the target. Rahul and Quinton de Kock got the side off to an excellent start. Evin Lewis played the perfect attacking knock while the talented Ayush Badoni chipped in with a nice cameo.
LSG predicted XI: KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Evin Lewis, Manish Pandey, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Jason Holder, Krunal Pandya, Andrew Tye, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan
Top fantasy picks for SRH vs LSG clash: Kane Williamson, Rahul Tripathi, Umran Malik, Quinton de Kock, Evin Lewis, Krunal Pandya
--Renin Wilben Albert