The Punjab Kings face a daunting task as they chase down a target of 258 runs set by the Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL match. To achieve this mammoth target, the Kings need to execute their batting strategy perfectly and make some crucial decisions.
Firstly, the return of captain Shikhar Dhawan to the playing XI is a significant boost for the Kings. Along with opening partner Prabhsimran Singh, the pair can provide a solid foundation for the team’s innings. Although Dhawan may be out of his usual form after being benched for three games, his impressive strike rate of 147 in the five games he has played so far is a testament to his ability. Dhawan has scored 233 runs in five games and has also held the orange cap for a period before getting benched.
Secondly, the Kings need to call upon Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran to provide their hitting power. Liam Livingstone is expected to come in at second down, and the team needs to play with an average run rate of 15+ runs in the power play to have a chance of reaching the target. If the Kings can manage to play at a run rate of 10-12 in the middle overs, it will give players like Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, and Shahrukh Khan a comfortable platform to win the match.
The Kings must also be aggressive with their batting approach and take calculated risks to keep the scoreboard ticking. This strategy can put pressure on the LSG bowlers and force them to make mistakes. However, the Kings must also be careful not to lose wickets cheaply, as this can derail their innings and make the target even more difficult to achieve.