Ekana Stadium Lucknow Pitch Report: On May 16th, the 63rd match of the TATA IPL 2023 is scheduled to take place at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, featuring the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Mumbai Indians (MI).
In their previous encounter, LSG emerged victorious by seven wickets against SRH at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. The LSG batsmen displayed exceptional skills in the final overs of the match, completely turning the momentum in their favour. The team’s finishers played a crucial role in chasing down the target of 180 runs set by SRH.
A standout performance came from the young talent, Prerak Mankad, who played a match-winning innings of 64 runs off just 45 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. This victory propelled LSG to the 4th position on the points table, accumulating 14 points from 12 matches—winning six and losing five.
On the other hand, MI secured a resounding 27-run victory against the table-toppers, the Gujarat Titans, in their most recent fixture at Wankhede Stadium. Both the batsmen and bowlers of MI delivered outstanding performances, especially Suryakumar Yadav, who achieved his maiden IPL century. Yadav’s unbeaten knock of 103 runs came off just 49 balls, showcasing his exceptional striking ability with 11 fours and six sixes.
Having won seven out of their twelve matches and suffering five defeats, Mumbai currently occupies the third position on the points table with 14 points, making this upcoming match crucial for LSG to solidify their spot in the playoffs.
Ekana Cricket Stadium Details
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium boasts a capacity of around 50,000 spectators, establishing itself as one of the largest cricket stadiums in India. The venue made its debut in hosting IPL matches, marking a significant milestone in the history of the tournament. Alongside its IPL contributions, the stadium has also served as a prestigious location for various international matches involving the Indian cricket team.
One notable international encounter took place in 2023 when India clashed with New Zealand in a T20I match, resulting in a thrilling victory for the Indian side by six wickets. The Ekana Stadium provided a fitting backdrop for the enthralling contest, allowing spectators to witness a captivating display of cricketing skills.
As the designated home ground of the Lucknow Super Giants franchise in the Indian Premier League, the Ekana Stadium has witnessed six IPL matches featuring the team. Out of these encounters, Lucknow emerged victorious in two matches, tasted defeat in three, and one match concluded without a result. The stadium holds a significant place in the hearts of the franchise and its fans, as they strive to create memorable moments on their home turf.
The Ekana Stadium has played host to numerous memorable matches, one of which featured exceptional innings by Rohit Sharma. In a T20I match against the West Indies, Sharma showcased his batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten 111 runs. This remarkable performance made him the first player to achieve the milestone of scoring four centuries in T20 International cricket, etching his name in the annals of the sport.
With its impressive seating capacity and the allure of hosting high-profile matches, the Ekana Stadium continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape. It serves as a vibrant platform for players to showcase their skills and for fans to relish the thrill of live cricket action.
Ekana Stadium Lucknow Pitch Report
The Ekana Stadium pitch in Lucknow has proven to be favourable for bowlers, particularly spinners, as it offers substantial turn and little bounce due to its slow and dry nature. While fast bowlers may find some assistance early on in the innings, the spinners are expected to dictate the game as it progresses.
The pitch at Ekana Stadium has earned a reputation for providing spinners with ample opportunities to exploit the conditions. With the surface being slow and dry, spin bowlers can expect the ball to grip and turn sharply, making it challenging for batsmen to score freely. The lack of bounce adds another layer of complexity, increasing the chances of batsmen misjudging the trajectory and losing their wickets.
Although fast bowlers might experience some assistance during the initial stages of the match, it is the spinners who are likely to come into their own as the game unfolds. The nature of the pitch encourages spinners to fly the ball and vary their pace, making it harder for batsmen to generate power and play aggressive shots.
In recent matches held at this venue, the Ekana Stadium, it has proven to be quite challenging for batsmen due to the slow and dry nature of the pitch. The average score at this ground hovers around 140 runs, indicating the difficulties faced by batsmen in scoring freely. While there are occasional instances where the pitch favours the batsmen, such occasions are relatively rare.
Considering the conditions at Ekana Stadium, the team winning the toss would often prefer to bat first, especially if there is no dew expected later in the match. This strategic decision is influenced by the fact that as the game progresses into the second innings, the pitch tends to become even slower and more difficult to play on. The reduced pace and grip of the pitch make shot-making a challenging task, requiring batsmen to display immense patience and precision.
Ekana Stadium IPL Records
Matches Played: 6
Batting 1st won: 3
Batting 2nd won: 2
Highest Score: 193/6 by Lucknow SuperGiants
Lowest Score: 121/8 by Sunrisers Hyderabad
Average score: 145
Ekana Stadium Lucknow Weather Report
Lucknow is expected to experience clear skies and sunny weather for the match. Throughout the day, temperatures will soar to a scorching 45 degrees Celsius, creating a hot and challenging environment for players and spectators alike. As the night sets in, the temperature will slightly dip to around 37 degrees Celsius, providing little respite from the heat.
The wind is anticipated to blow at a moderate speed of 17 km/h, which could offer some relief from the sweltering conditions. However, it may also impact the trajectory of the ball and influence the players’ strategies.
Humidity levels are projected to be relatively low, around 11%, contributing to the dry and arid atmosphere. This drier air, coupled with the absence of rain, indicates favourable weather conditions for an uninterrupted and exciting match. Players can expect the pitch and outfield to remain firm and devoid of any moisture-related challenges.
CWC 2023: Schedule | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets | Most Sixes |
