The stage is set for an high-octane encounter as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosts the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 15 of the ongoing IPL 2024. The upcoming clash is scheduled to take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday, April 2.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium, usually a batsman’s paradise, has thrown a curveball in IPL 2024. While the characteristically small boundaries and lightning-fast outfield remain, pitches haven’t been the flat deck dream they once were. Early season matches have witnessed a shift towards a slower surface, offering a window of opportunity for spinners and swing bowlers.
RCB vs LSG Pitch report: Expect high-scoring encounter despite some help for bowlers
RCB has hosted two IPL 2024 matches thus far, where the average first innings score has been 179. However, a key takeaway from both games is how batting became easier as the match progressed.
In the first game, Punjab scored 176 runs before RCB chased down the target thanks to Virat Kohli’s 77 and some late blitzes by Dinesh Karthik (28*) and Mahipal Lomror (17*). In the second game, the hosts put up 182/6 in the first innings. However, the total proved to be inadequate as KKR hunted down the target with 19 balls to spare.
This trend suggests that batting in the second innings has become slightly easier, possibly due to dew on the outfield. For the upcoming encounter between RCB and LSG, batsmen will still need to be cautious early on. Swing bowlers might find some assistance by exploiting any remaining moisture on the surface. Spinners could also come into play, especially if they can find grip and get the ball to turn. However, as the innings progresses, the pitch is expected to flatten out, allowing batsmen to unleash their power game.
Given the star power both RCB and LSG possess, expect the highly anticipated encounter to be a high-scoring affair. Even the last time these two teams met at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, LSG pulled off a successful run-chase of 213 runs in a last-ball thriller.
M Chinnaswamy IPL stats
| Total Matches | 90 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 37 (41.11%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 49 (54.44%) |
| Matches with No Result | 4 (4.44%) |
| Highest Individual Innings | 175* by Chris Gayle (RCB) vs PWI, 2013 |
| Best Bowling | 4/9 by Samuel Badree (RCB) vs MI, 2017 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 28.04 |
| Average Runs per Over | 8.73 |
| Average Score Batting First | 165.87 |
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