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Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings match prediction: Who will win today’s IPL 2026 match?

by · Inside Sport India

Catch the match prediction and much more on the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) match in the IPL 2026.

An already eliminated Lucknow Super Giants will take on a desperate Punjab Kings in what is a must-win contest for the latter on Saturday. LSG are languishing at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table with just 4 wins so far, and have nothing to lose. However, the match is a must-win for PBKS, as a loss to LSG in Lucknow on Saturday will mark the end of the tournament for Shreyas Iyer and co. Despite heading into the contest with a 6-match losing streak, PBKS are expected to emerge as winners of the contest against a struggling LSG.

LSG vs PBKS details

  • Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings, Match 68
  • Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
  • Time: 7:30 PM IST
  • Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
  • Live Streaming: JioHotstar App & Website, JioStar Network

LSG vs PBKS preview

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants have endured a disappointing campaign and are officially out of the playoff race. Coming off a recent defeat to Rajasthan Royals despite posting a hefty 220, LSG have managed only 4 wins this season. However, they will be motivated to end their tournament on a high note in front of their home crowd.

  • Key Strengths: Australian opener Mitchell Marsh has been in scintillating form, recently smashing a brilliant 96 off 57 balls. Skipper Rishabh Pant provides middle-order muscle, while uncapped pacer Prince Yadav has been a revelation, picking up 16 wickets this season.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab’s season has been a bizarre roller-coaster ride. They started phenomenally, remaining unbeaten in their first 7 matches, only to collapse into a devastating 6-match losing streak—their latest loss coming against RCB. Stuck at 13 points, this is a strict must-win match for PBKS. Even a victory won’t guarantee qualification, as they will have to rely on Sunday’s results, but a loss means immediate elimination.

  • Key Strengths: Opener Priyansh Arya has already destroyed LSG once this season with a 37-ball 93 when these teams met in April. Wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh has been explosive at the top, scoring 441 runs. Their bowling attack, led by a fully fit Arshdeep Singh (19 wickets) and Yuzvendra Chahal, is highly potent.

LSG vs PBKS Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches Played: 7
  • Punjab Kings Won: 4
  • Lucknow Super Giants Won: 3
  • Earlier this season: Punjab Kings defeated LSG by 54 runs after posting a mammoth 254/7. PBKS is currently on a 3-match winning streak against LSG.

Ekana Cricket Stadium pitch report

  • Pitch Conditions: The black-soil surface at the Ekana Stadium typically offers some initial pace and seam movement during the Powerplay. However, it slows down significantly during the middle overs, heavily favoring finger-spinners, cutters, and variations. Slogging is generally punished here, and disciplined bowling is well rewarded.
  • Average Score: A competitive total on this pitch ranges between 165–185. Chasing teams have held a 60% win advantage here this season.

Lucknow weather report

Dry and oppressive summer heat with temperatures between 32°C and 34°C during match hours. Humidity will sit between 30% and 45%, with negligible dew expected.

LSG vs PBKS Predicted Playing XIs

Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Josh Inglis, Ayush Badoni, Arshin Kulkarni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami.

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal. (Impact Player: Marcus Stoinis)

Who will today’s LSG vs PBKS match?

Win Probability:

  • Lucknow Super Giants: 42%
  • Punjab Kings: 58%

Prediction: While Lucknow possesses dangerous individual match-winners like Mitchell Marsh and wants to bow out with a win, the Punjab Kings have everything at stake. Furthermore, the slow, spin-friendly nature of the Ekana surface is custom-made for the variations of Arshdeep Singh and the guile of Yuzvendra Chahal. Driven by the sheer desperation of the playoff race, expect Punjab Kings to win today’s match and snap their 6-game losing streak.