The final league match of IPL 2025 promises an intriguing contest as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST, this fixture holds significant stakes for RCB, who are eyeing a top-two finish in the points table. LSG, already eliminated from playoff contention, will look to end their campaign on a high note.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Date: May 27, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Led by Rishabh Pant, LSG have had a roller-coaster season, currently placed seventh with 6 wins and 7 losses from 13 matches.
They come into this game with momentum after an emphatic 33-run victory over Gujarat Titans, where Mitchell Marsh scored his maiden IPL century (117 runs off 64 balls).
Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram also contributed significantly with the bat, while the bowling unit managed to restrict the defending champions effectively.
Despite being out of playoff contention, LSG will be eager to showcase their fighting spirit and finish the league on a winning note.
Key Players to Watch:
- Mitchell Marsh: The Australian all-rounder has been in sublime form, amassing 560 runs this season and anchoring LSG’s batting.
- Nicholas Pooran: The explosive wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 511 runs, known for his aggressive finishing.
- Digvesh Singh: A key bowler for LSG with 14 wickets, often striking at crucial moments.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB enter this match with a lot at stake. Sitting third on the points table with 8 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no-result, a win here would secure them a coveted top-two finish and a direct entry into Qualifier 1.
However, their recent 42-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad exposed some vulnerabilities, especially with the bat collapsing under pressure.
The return of Josh Hazlewood bolsters their bowling attack, and the team will rely heavily on experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya to deliver under pressure.
Key Players to Watch:
- Virat Kohli: The seasoned batsman has scored 548 runs this season and remains RCB’s linchpin.
- Josh Hazlewood: The pace spearhead has taken 18 wickets and will be crucial in controlling the opposition’s scoring.
- Krunal Pandya: The all-rounder offers balance with 15 wickets and useful lower-order runs.
Pitch Report: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
The Ekana Stadium pitch has favored batsmen this season, with an average first-innings score around 188. The surface offers good bounce and is conducive to stroke play, though the large boundaries require power hitting.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Lucknow on match day is expected to be clear with moderate temperatures, providing ideal conditions for a full game without interruptions.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches: 5
- RCB Wins: 3
- LSG Wins: 2
RCB holds a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters, but LSG’s recent form and home advantage could make this a closely fought contest.
Match Insights
This match is a classic case of contrasting motivations. RCB are playing with high stakes, aiming to cement their position in the top two and gain a strategic advantage in the playoffs.
