HIGHLIGHTS Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Match 50 - Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase. The umpires are back in the middle and the players of Lucknow can be seen forming a huddle before spreading out on the field. It seems like Jacob Bethell is fit enough to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli for RCB and it is now confirmed that 213 is the DLS adjusted target. Also, LSG have used their Impact Sub, bringing in Mayank Yadav in place of Himmat Singh. Mohammad Shami to get proceedings underway with the ball. Let's go...

... The Run Chase ...

A tough task ahead for the defending champions - Generally, the pitch at the Ekana favours the bowlers and the RCB bowlers came in with a set plan, but the pitch played much better and soon enough, someone like Josh Hazlewood was put off his length by Mitchell Marsh. Rasikh Salam too failed to bowl consistent lines and lengths as only Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya seemed to show some control with the ball in hand. However, RCB are a chasing side and they won't be too flustered with this target, but will need a big Powerplay in order to get ahead of the game. The likes of Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav will be looking to hit their strides right away and pick up early wickets. All in all, an exciting chase is on the cards, stay tuned.

Marsh goes ballistic - Amidst all the rain intervals and another change in opening partner, Mitchell Marsh remained focused and his stellar century has now given LSG a big boost in keeping their campaign alive. He took matters into his own hands right from the start and built a 95-run opening stand with young Arshin Kulkarni, who scored only 17 of those runs. Marsh went on to score 111 big runs before getting out. Nicholas Pooran then came in and built on his return to form in the last match as Rishabh Pant laid the finishing touches with a sensational unbeaten 32 off just 10 balls, taking LSG to a commanding total of 209 runs.

End of a long, long first innings - Three rain breaks and plenty of time later, we come to the end of the first innings in this 19-overs-a-side contest. Lucknow Super Giants will certainly be the happier of the two teams heading into the innings interval as they have a big score on board, and they will also be aided a bit more with DLS coming into play. According to Alan Wilkins on-air, the DLS target for Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be 213 runs, but we will confirm that.

Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, SIX! Incredible shot. Rishabh Pant finishes the innings with a flourish. Salam stays full and attacks the sticks. Pant stands with an open stance and gets low to get under the ball. Plays the reverse over backward point, and it goes all the way. 16 runs off the final over. LSG finish with 209/3.

Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! That went to the fence in a flash. Salam goes full this time but fails to get the yorker in. Mid off is inside the circle and Pant gives himself a bit of room to hammer it to the right of mid off for four more. 200 UP FOR LSG.

Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Nicely done! Salam drags the length back a bit and tries to tuck the batter up for room. Pant has a heave across the line and picks the gap between deep square leg and deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Aiden Markram, Pace taken off, on a nagging length, outside off. Markram reaches out and hits it to the left of extra cover for one.

Krunal Pandya makes no mistake this time. Aiden Markram walks out to bat. Just 4 balls to go. Can LSG get past 200?

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! CAUGHT! Krunal Pandya just about hangs onto it. Angled into the left-hander from around the wicket, on a good length. Pooran gets the front leg out of the way and swings away on the leg side with the angle of the ball. This comes off the bottom half of the bat and Nicholas does not get the desired distance. Hits it only as far as deep backward square leg, where Krunal Pandya gets low and takes the catch in front of the ropes. The ball threatens to pop out of his grasp but he holds onto it.

Rasikh Salam to Rishabh Pant, Dug in short, pace taken off, outside off. Pant gets his hands high and slaps it to deep cover. Just a single.

Rasikh Salam to bowl the final over of the innings.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Keeps it nice and full, wide on off, Pooran frees his hands and slams it to the left of deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rishabh Pant, Full and pushed across, Pant swings a bit too hard and loses his shape. He swings himself off his feet and it is miscued to long on for one.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, DROPPED! A tough chance but a chance nonetheless. Very full, wide on off. Pooran reaches out and throws his hands at the ball. Slices it off the outer half to deep backward point, where Krunal Pandya charges across to his left and dives but can't cling on. They cross.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! Off the edge! Low full toss, near the tramline. Pooran flashes and flashes hard at the ball. It goes off the outside edge and beats the diving Josh Hazlewood at short third to his left.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Gets the yorker in spot-on, flirting with the tramline. Pooran fails to squeeze it out. He has a word with Rishabh Pant at the other end but eventually decides against the review.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Full and on off, this is smacked wide of extra cover to his right. The sub fielder, Jordan Cox sprints to his left in the deep and puts in a dive to save a couple of runs for his side.

Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, SIX! All the way! Josh Hazlewood gets the yorker wrong again. It is a low full toss, on off. Rishabh swings hard to go big on the off side. Carves it over extra cover and it lands on the boundary cushions on the full.

What a start from the LSG skipper. Josh Hazlewood is under some pressure here.

Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Wide! Down leg, on the shorter side, Pant swivels to get it away but misses.

Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, A superb effort from Jacob Bethell! Full marks for the commitment. Low full toss by Hazlewood, on middle. Pant hangs low and heaves it away to deep mid-wicket. It goes flat towards Bethell, who runs in off the ropes and dives forward. The ball drops just under his hands. It clips his fingertips and rolls to his left. Two runs taken. Looks like he has suffered a cut on the fingertips and trudges off to receive medical attention.

Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Wide! Dug in short, over middle and leg. Rishabh Pant attempts the hook but misses. Too high for the umpire's liking. Wide given for height.

Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! The bat goes one way and the ball the other. Across off, full toss, Rishabh Pant swings with all his might. He loses the grip on the bat and it flies out of his hand behind square leg. The ball gets skewed off the outer half and past backward point for four more.

Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, FOUR! Gets it away! Low full toss, on the pads, a poor delivery by Hazlewood and it gets the treatment. Pant gets low for the sweep and gets it fine down to deep fine leg for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Rishabh Pant, Into the surface, over middle. Rishabh Pant gives the bowler the charge and has a swipe across the line but the ball skids through to go under the blade.

That is the end of Mitchell Marsh. The skipper, Rishabh Pant, replaces the centurion at the crease.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Marsh holes out! He throws his head back and has a wry smile on his face. Hazlewood goes searching for the yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, outside off. Mitchell reaches out and takes it on the full. He connects well, but neither is there any elevation, nor is it in the gap. Hits it flat and straight down the throat of deep point, where Jacob Bethell takes a reverse cup catch. End of a top knock from 'The Bison.'

STRATEGIC BREAK! Two overs after the rain break and LSG have managed to pick up 20 runs without losing a wicket. With 3 overs to go, they will be looking to surpass the 200-run mark, and with plenty of batting to come, if they fail to do so, it would be a disappointing end for them. RCB have an over each left of their three frontline pacers, but will they take a risk and give Suyash Sharma an over here? We shall find out. Let's see which team manages to head into the break with momentum on their side. Josh Hazlewood is back on to finish his spell.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! Nicholas Pooran rescues the over for LSG! Back of a length slower ball, on middle and leg, Nicholas Pooran swivels and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Dropped! Excellent effort, but it will go down as a dropped catch. A full toss, on off, Mitchell Marsh looks to loft it, but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It carries towards long on. Devdutt Padikkal charges to his left and dives to take the catch, but fails to hold onto it. The batters collect a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Another single. Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes slightly shorter, on off, and slower too. Nicholas Pooran pulls it through mid-wicket for another single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Excellent bowling from Bhuvi. A yorker, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh knocks it to mid off for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Another wide yorker, Nicholas Pooran looks to slap it but miscues it to the left of the keeper. They collect a quick single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nicholas Pooran, Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes into the attack and bowls a wide yorker, Nicholas Pooran reaches out to it and chops it to the fielder at short third.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-0-14-0).

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, No, it doesn't cost much, just a single. Back of a length, on leg, Nicholas Pooran takes a step forward and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Will the extra delivery cost Rasikh Salam?

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Wide! Sways it down the leg side, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone. Wide called.

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! Excellent placement from Nicholas Pooran! An attempted yorker but ends up as a low full toss, outside off. Nicholas Pooran opens the face of the bat and guides it through backward point for a boundary. The 150 is up for LSG.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Good over so far from Rasikh Salam. Too full, outside off, Mitchell Marsh steers it to backward point for a single.

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Another single. Hard length, on off, Nicholas Pooran chips it over wide mid on for one more.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, A yorker, outside off, Mitchell Marsh digs it through covers for another run.

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Rasikh Salam bowls a slower one, on off, Nicholas Pooran pushes it to cover for a single.

We are all set for the game to resume. The RCB players are waiting for the umpires to take the field. Here they come. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh also make their way out to the centre. Rasikh Salam to start the proceedings with the ball. Pooran is on strike. Let's go...

9.46 pm IST (4.16 pm GMT) - The umpires are heading out for an inspection. No umbrellas in sight, and off come the covers. Let's hope it is for good this time. Play is all set to resume at 10 pm IST (4.30 pm GMT). It will now be a 19-overs-per-side game. 4 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 4 overs, and the Powerplay in the 2nd innings will last 5.4 overs. The target for RCB will be adjusted via the DLS method.

9.30 pm IST (4 pm GMT) - Good news! It has stopped raining, and the covers are coming off. The resumption looks imminent, with the RCB players waiting on the sidelines. Scratch that, as the camera pans towards the floodlights, we can see a bit of mizzle in the air. As a result, the covers are being put back on. The wait continues.

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

9.24 pm IST (3.54 pm GMT) - The rain has gotten heavier, and the ground staff come on with the covers. The square has been covered, and we will have another interruption in play. The stoppages usually do not help the batting side, but Mitchell Marsh has remained undeterred tonight. We had already lost 47 minutes, and with this latest delay, it now looks highly likely that we will lose overs. Stay tuned for more news.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! What a shot! Full and wide outside off, Mitchell Marsh takes a step forward, turns it into a half volley, and slams it over extra covers for a biggie. 20 runs off the over.

The rain is back. It is not heavy enough just yet for the players to come off.

Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, Just inside the tramline. Hard length, outside off, and it shapes in a tad. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! HUNDRED UP FOR MARSH IN JUST 49 BALLS! An attempted yorker, but it ends up as a low full toss, outside off, Mitchell Marsh picks it well and smacks it through point for a boundary. This has been a scintillating knock from Mitchell Marsh and his teammates are all smiles in the dugout.

Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Straight down the ground! Mitchell Marsh moves to 97 now. Nice and full, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh gets his left leg away and drills it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, Hard length, on off, Mitchell Marsh knocks it to the right of long on for a brace. Good running between the wickets.

Romario Shepherd to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR LEG BYES! A poor start from Romario Shepherd! Sprays it down leg, Mitchell Marsh tries to help it fine but the ball brushes his pads and races away to the fence at fine leg.

Romario Shepherd has been called into the attack. RCB's 6th bowling option of the night.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Good comeback from Krunal Pandya after the six off the first ball. A bumper, on middle, Mitchell Marsh tugs it to mid-wicket for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, A tad fuller, outside off, Mitchell Marsh taps it to the cover fielder.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Quicker, outside off, just inside the tramline. Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone, thinking it will be a wide. Nothing from the umpire.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Wide! Krunal Pandya bowls it way outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone. Wide called.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, There comes the short ball. Bangs it short, outside off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it alone.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Fires it outside off, Mitchell Marsh throws his bat at it and slashes it through backward point for a brace.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! All the way and into the stands! Krunal Pandya starts with a fuller one, on middle, Mitchell Marsh takes a step forward and tonks it down the ground as the ball sails into the stands beyond long on.

A change of ends for Krunal Pandya (3-0-21-1).

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Six singles in the over, top stuff from 'The Hoff.' He nails the yorker at the toes and all Marsh can do is dig it out through mid on for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Nicholas Pooran, Full and angled in towards middle and leg, clipped away through mid on for a run. Excellent over thus far from Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Goes full and wide this time, delivered from wide on the crease as well. Marsh reaches out and squeezes it past point for a fourth straight single in the over.

Josh Hazlewood to Nicholas Pooran, Josh comes around the wicket to Pooran now and goes for another yorker at the stumps, gets it spot-on too. Pooran eases it down to long on for one more.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Well bowled! A straight yorker from Hazlewood, right on the money. Mitchell Marsh jams it out to the right of extra cover, where Rajat Patidar dives and deflects it down to long off for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Nicholas Pooran, Hard length, darting it across from leg to middle. Pooran tucks it down through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Running repairs with the bat for Mitchell Marsh. Josh Hazlewood is back for his 3rd over. 2-0-25-0 so far for Hazlewood.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, A dot to end, but 11 runs come off the over. Rasikh jams in a yorker, just outside off, Marsh goes deep in the crease and digs it into the turf, and back to the bowler.

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Back of a length, angled into the batter, Pooran pulls it down to deep backward square leg for a run.

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! And again. Similar line and length from the previous ball, drilled to the left of Romario Shepherd at deep point this time for another boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! Wow, what timing! Full and wide outside off, Nicholas Pooran plays a lovely square drive and the ball beats the chasing deep point fielder to his right.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Over the wicket now to the right-hander, pace off again, pushing it wide outside off. Marsh slaps it towards deep point and picks up another single. 100 UP FOR LSG!

Rasikh Salam to Nicholas Pooran, Slower one from around the wicket, on a good length, and nudged down to short third for a single.

It will be pace from the other end in the form of Rasikh Salam. He went for 16 runs in his only over so far.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, A bit fuller and around off, punched away towards cover. Just 3 runs and a wicket off the over, LSG are 98/1 after 10 overs.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter one on the pads, neatly tucked away into the vacant space at square leg and the batters pick up a couple of runs.

Krunal Pandya to Nicholas Pooran, Another one. KP brings out the bumper again, and this time Nicky P swats it down to long on for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Nicholas Pooran, A bouncer to greet the new batter. Krunal gets lower in his trajectory and brings out the bumper, bowling it just outside off. Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone.

In walks Nicholas Pooran at number 3.

Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, OUT! CAUGHT! A short return to the crease for Arshin Kulkarni and RCB get their first wicket. Held back a bit by Krunal Pandya, bowled on a good length and at the stumps. Kulkarni steps out and makes a bit of room, trying to go over covers. He gets the connection but not the elevation and Rajat Patidar at short extra cover takes a smart catch. The end of a 95-run opening stand for LSG.

Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Length ball on off, Arshin Kulkarni backs away and wallops the ball but straight to the short extra cover fielder.

We are all set for the action to resume. Alan Wilkins informs that we have lost 47 minutes so far out of the buffer time of 60 minutes, before overs start getting reduced. Let's hope we have seen the last of the rain, and there are no further interruptions. Mitchell Marsh and Arshin Kulkarni are all set to resume their innings. Not easy with the break in play, but LSG will want Arshin to get a move on. Krunal Pandya to bowl. Arshin to face the first ball after the rain delay. Here we go...

8.45 pm IST (3.15 pm GMT) - An inspection is currently underway. Only the square was covered, and the uncovered areas of the outfield will be the main focus for the umpires and ground staff. Right, we have the official word. The match will resume from 9 pm IST (3.30 pm GMT), and importantly, there is no reduction in overs.

8.37 pm IST (3.07 pm GMT) - The rain has eased, but the fourth umpire is still holding his umbrella up. The members of the ground staff are on standby on the edge of the covers, waiting for a green signal. And there comes the signal, as the ground staff begin peeling the covers off. The Super Sopper is buzzing across the outfield. The RCB players have begun to gather around the dugout. and we should have a resumption soon.

8.22 pm IST (2.52 pm GMT) - The drizzle has intensified enough for the umpires to call for the covers. The ground staff have been quick to cover the square with a big blue sheet. Unfortunately, it does look like a steady shower, but let's hope it clears up soon. We have a buffer time of 60 minutes before we start losing overs, out of which around 10 minutes have already been used up by the earlier spell of rain. Stick around for further updates.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Kulkarni is trying to break free now, but again, the timing just isn't there. Tossed up on a length, Kulkarni dances down the track but gets it high on the bat, hitting it aerially but well short of long off for one more. 9 off the over.

Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, Suyash gives it a lot more air, tossing it up full and on off. Marsh strokes it through mid off for a single.

It has started to drizzle again and is getting heavier, but we continue for now. The ground staff are gathering around the covers on the sidelines.

Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! That's raw power from 'The Bison.' Fractionally short again, over off stump, Marsh rocks onto the backfoot and swings it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Dragged length, outside off, Kulkarni stays put and throws his arms at it, hitting it over the cover region for one more.

Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, Oh, Marsh will feel he's missed out here. Quick and short, around off, Mitchell Marsh rocks back and swats it across to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Tossed up, very full and on middle, heaved away to the left of deep mid-wicket for one.

Suyash Sharma to continue. Rajat Patidar is off the field for the moment.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Follows Mitchell Marsh down leg, Marsh tries to flick it, but the ball hits his pads and rolls towards the cover fielder. Dot.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! This is a brilliant display of batting from Mitchell Marsh! Short and wide, Mitchell Marsh throws his hands at it and cuts it over backward point for a boundary.

Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, A low full toss, outside off, Arshin Kulkarni drives it through covers for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Follows the batter down leg again, Arshin Kulkarni shuffles across and pushes it to the left of the bowler. Dot again.

Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Short again, on leg, Arshin Kulkarni backs away and slaps it, but finds the cover fielder.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Flatter, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

Krunal Pandya (1-0-12-0) returns to the attack, replacing Josh Hazlewood.

Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Past the edge! Turn and bounce, just outside off, Arshin Kulkarni presses back and looks to cut it but gets beaten.

Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Much better from Suyash Sharma. Short, turning in, Arshin Kulkarni taps it to the cover fielder.

Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, FOUR! Arshin Kulkarni joins the party! Much shorter from Suyash Sharma, outside off, Arshin Kulkarni picks it well and cuts it to the left of backward point for a boundary.

Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, Slows it up, outside off, Mitchell Marsh eases it to extra cover for a quick single.

Suyash Sharma to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! There is no stopping Mitchell Marsh tonight! Suyash Sharma goes short, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh swivels and pulls it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Suyash Sharma to Arshin Kulkarni, Suyash Sharma comes into the attack and bowls a fuller one, on off, Arshin Kulkarni taps it to cover for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! What a Powerplay for LSG, no wickets lost and plenty of runs on the board. The Ekana has been a low-scoring venue this season but Rishabh Pant did mention at the toss that this wicket is the best one they have seen here this season and 180-190 is a possibility. It does seem like the ball is coming onto the bat well, but let's see if the middle phase brings a change in the equation, as once the ball gets older, it does get difficult for the new batters to settle in at this venue. With that said, Suyash Sharma comes into the attack now.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Was in the air for a while, but in the gap! Good length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and drives it uppishly to the left of cover for a boundary. He is in some mood. Lucknow Super Giants are cruising at 68 for no loss at the end of Powerplay.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood gets away with this. A half volley, outside off, Mitchell Marsh drives it hard but finds the fielder at cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Hard length, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it but gets it off the inside half of his bat towards the fielder at mid-wicket. Dot.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR MORE! Streaky, but they all count! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh tries to flick it but gets a thick inside edge. The ball races through short fine leg for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! FIFTY up for Mitchell Marsh! A 20-ball half-century, the fastest of his IPL career, according to the on-air commentators. Hard length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and steers it through backward point for a boundary. Marsh will be keen to convert this into a big score.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood slows it up, on off, Mitchell Marsh stays back and punches it to the cover fielder.

Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. He went for 13 runs in his first over.

Rasikh Salam to Arshin Kulkarni, Good length, on off, Arshin Kulkarni pushes it to the cover fielder.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Down the leg side, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and drops at his feet. They collect a quick leg bye.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! It is difficult to stop Mitchell Marsh at the moment! Back of a length, outside off, and slower too. Mitchell Marsh stays back and cuts it magnificently through point for a boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, Well bowled! Back-of-the-hand slower one, on a back of a length. Marsh pokes at it but is outfoxed and is beaten all ends up.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Brilliant effort in the deep. Rasikh Salam goes full, on off, Marsh stays back and launches it down the ground. The sub fielder, Jordan Cox, on the long off fence, takes the catch and flicks the ball in before going over the ropes. The umpire checks, and it shows that his foot was touching the fence when he had the ball in his hand. With this, 50 comes up for LSG.

Has Jordan Cox managed to stop the six? A brilliant effort from the substitute fielder, and the catch was always very improbable, but he did manage to flick the ball back in. However, replays show that Cox did touch the boundary ropes and it will be a six.

Rasikh Salam to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! The onslaught continues from Mitchell Marsh! Welcome to the attack, Rasikh Salam. He goes short, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh stands his ground and muscles it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Double change? Yes. Rasikh Salam comes into the attack now.

Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, A bit of air given this time, full and on off, Arshin plays a punchy drive to cover.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Full and quick, on middle, Marsh pushes it to long off and turns the strike over.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! Stand and deliver! Floated up, full and around the off stump. There is a hint of away turn. A step hit by Marsh as he uses his reach to good effect and clobbers it over wide long on for half a dozen.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, FOUR! Up and over! Pushed through, full and wide on off, Marsh stays leg side and gets low to get under the ball. He lofts it over cover and picks up a boundary.

Krunal Pandya to Mitchell Marsh, Following the batter with a full ball as he backs away. Marsh swings at it but miscues it off the inner half to square leg.

Krunal Pandya to Arshin Kulkarni, Edgy! Speared in, full and attacking the front pad. Arshin Kulkarni looks to clip it away on the leg side with a closed bat face. The ball grips and spins away a bit to catch a soft leading edge. It rolls through mid off for one.

Marsh on the charge and LSG are off to a pretty decent start here. Now, Krunal Pandya comes in to replace Josh Hazlewood.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! My word! That is some strike. Mitchell Marsh is dealing only in sixes. Bhuvi rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it on a length, outside off. Marsh is allowed to free his arms and he takes full toll. He extends his hands before pumping it over cover for his third six.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, Very full, wide on off, Arshin leans forward and drives it along the carpet to deep point for a run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, High full toss but below the waist, on middle and leg. Arshin tucks it to mid-wicket.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, PUT DOWN! A tough chance goes down. Fractionally short, on off, Arshin Kulkarni stands tall and spanks it back towards the bowler. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets both hands together to his right as the ball comes to him at thigh height. The ball does not stick in his grasp and drops to the ground.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, Pace off by Bhuvi, on a length, on off. Kulkarni gets on the front foot, looking to go up and over mid off. He is early into the lofted hit but manages to clear Rajat Patidar at mid off. Patidar turns around and goes after it to haul it in as Arshin collects a couple.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, Pitched up, on off, Arshin eases it to mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Good stop! Hazlewood serves it on a short of a length, on off, Marsh hangs back and steers it behind point. Krunal Pandya puts in a dive to his left and saves a certain boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! High and long enough! This is on a length, outside off. Marsh presses onto the front foot and swings through the line with no half measures. It comes off the toe end of the blade but enough for Mitchell to pick up a six. Oh, no, the replays show that the ball pinged a cameraman on the side on his forehead, who was stationed beyond the long off fence.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Bashes the hard length, on middle and leg. Marsh walks down the track to work it away on the leg side but the ball stands up a bit on him and catches him near the shoulder of the blade before dropping on the strip.

Welcome back to the action. The umpires and the players are back out in the middle. Josh Hazlewood is all set to resume his over, bowling to Mitchell Marsh, with Arshin Kulkarni at the non-striker's end.

UPDATE - 7.43 pm IST (2.13 pm GMT) - Well then, it seems we will actually have a quick resumption in the play as the umpires are out in the middle and off go the covers. The players are gearing up to go again as well.

There's a light drizzle right now and it is starting to get heavier by the minute. Wow, out of nowhere, the rain descends and on come the covers. There was heavy rain last night in Lucknow, but this looks like a passing shower and there's no forecast of rain tonight in Lucknow. The umpires and the players are hovering around the boundary ropes as well. Let's hope that this is a short pause in play and nothing more. Stay tuned for further updates.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Honing in on the off stump, on a back of a length. The ball stays a bit low but Marsh adjusts well to keep it out on the off side.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Good comeback by Hazlewood. Drags the length back and attacks the sticks. Marsh hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, SIX! There's the first six of the night! Hazlewood pushes the length up, in line with the off stump. Marsh puts his head down and swings through the line with a straight bat. The bat turns slightly in his hand but the connection is decent enough to clear the long off fence.

Josh Hazlewood to Mitchell Marsh, Wide! Josh Hazlewood hits the back of a length but sprays it beyond the tramline. Mitchell Marsh premeditatively gives the bowler the charge but the ball is out of his reach and he lets it be.

A tidy start for both teams. A bit of movement for Bhuvi but Marsh and Kulkarni manage to see off the first over. It doesn't get much easier though, as Josh Hazlewood is to bowl from the other end.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, On a good length, but Kumar strays on the pads. Arshin walks inside the line of the ball and flicks it through backward square leg. Romario Shepherd mops it up in the deep once again by getting around from deep fine leg. Another brace for the youngster.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, A better line this time, in the channel on off, on a short of a length. This is punched on the up to point by Arshin.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, A little too straight, sliding onto the pads. Kulkarni leans across the line of the ball, brings his wrists into play and clips this length ball behind square leg. Romario Shepherd gets around to his left in the deep and tidies up. Arshin opens his account with a couple of runs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Arshin Kulkarni, A bit too wide, but it sneaks inside the tramline. Arshin Kulkarni gets closer to the line of the ball but eventually lets it go. The ball does not carry and goes on the bounce to Jitesh Sharma.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Marsh and LSG are underway. Bhuvneshwar brings it back into the right-hander, and this is fuller in length. Mitchell brings his bat out in front and knocks it to the left of mid on before hurrying to the other end.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mitchell Marsh, Lovely shape first up for Bhuvi. Moving away in the air, bowled on a good length. Mitchell Marsh watchfully shoulders arms.

All in readiness for the game to begin. The umpires make their way out to the middle and the players of RCB can be seen forming a huddle near the boundary ropes before taking their places on the field. It will be a new opening pair for LSG as Arshin Kulkarni joins Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has the new ball in hand. He becomes the first pacer to play 200 IPL matches and he's raring to go. Let's play...

Impact sub options for RCB - Tim David, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal and Venkatesh Iyer.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma and Rasikh Salam.

Impact sub options for LSG - Mayank Yadav, Mukul Choudhary, Abdul Samad, Manimaran Siddharth and Avesh Khan.

Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni (In for Josh Inglis), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahamad (In for Manimaran Siddharth), Digvesh Singh, Mohammad Shami and Prince Yadav.

The captain of the Lucknow Super Giants - Rishabh Pant says that they know they have top players, but they need to get clarity on what to do. Pant informs that Josh Inglis and Mohsin Khan are injured, which has forced them to make a few changes. Rishabh shares that they know they have top players, but they need to get clarity on what to do. He further says that they need to adapt to the conditions and they need to try a few more things. He ends by saying that the wicket looks good, and it looks like a 180-190 wicket.

The skipper of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar gets a rousing response to winning the toss and appreciates RCB getting support everywhere they play. He opts to bowl first and feels that the matches here have been low scoring, and they will look to restrict the opposition to a low score. Patidar mentions that the break was a good one and everyone is looking forward to this match. Ends by saying that they are going with the same team.

Rajat Patidar calls it correctly. Royal Challengers Bengaluru opt to BOWL first.

TOSS - Time for the coin to go up in Lucknow.

Words from the LSG camp - Mitchell Marsh says that they have to get back to winning ways, as it has been a disappointing run so far. Believes that two or three bad overs can lose you the game, so they need to overcome that. He adds that they had a good last year and they scored a lot of runs, but this season they haven't done well so far. Marsh says that he has played Josh Hazlewood in the nets, so hopefully he can get on top of him. Admits that RCB are a formidable side and it's a tough challenge for them tonight.

A quick chat with RCB's ace pacer - Josh Hazlewood says that they've had a nice break, and it feels like it's been quite a while since they played a game, but they have had some good practice in the last couple of days. On playing as defending champions, Josh says that it gives them a boost, but yes, there's a bit of pressure as well, as everyone else is trying to knock you off. On playing in Lucknow, Josh says that he's played quite a bit here and generally, the bowlers have the chance to restrict opposition to a lower total, but also feels that they've generally bowled really well as a unit. On Virat Kohli, Hazlewood says that he's going well and so are the top three, which is crucial for them. Also, on playing against fellow Aussies like Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, he says that it's fun because there's a bit of cat and mouse always going on.

PITCH REPORT - Deep Dasgupta is pitchside along with Aaron Finch. Deep mentions that it is a pleasant evening in Lucknow, with a bit of cloud cover around as well. He adds that this has been one of the few venues this season where the bowlers have enjoyed better returns than the batters. As for the dimensions, one square boundary stands at 69 metres, the other at 64 metres, while it is 74 metres straight down the ground. Dasgupta informs that the average first-innings score at the venue this season has been 155. Aaron observes a few cracks on the surface and feels the wicket looks quite abrasive. He reckons that once the shine goes off the ball, it could start holding in the surface. Further says that hard lengths could be difficult to score off during the middle phase of the innings. Dasgupta points out that this is a black-soil surface, which generally offers less bounce and turn compared to the red-soil or mixed-composition wickets. Given the conditions, Aaron feels the ideal decision would be to win the toss and bowl first, and Deep is in agreement as well.

Let the game begin! The stage is set, and the players are ready. Will LSG’s bowling attack, led by Mohammad Shami, find a way to stop the RCB batters? Or will the visitors prove too strong once again? This rivalry has given us some legendary moments over the years, and we expect nothing less today. The toss is just moments away, so stay tuned, it’s time for some high-octane cricket action.

RCB are looking solid - On the other side, RCB are looking to solidify their spot in the top four. They’ve got Virat Kohli in sensational form, chasing the Orange Cap, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar is leading the Purple Cap race with his fiery spells. Despite a minor slip-up in their last game, the defending champs look dangerous. With Rajat Patidar and Tim David ready to clear the ropes, and Padikkal in his best form, they’ll be aiming to bounce back to winning ways tonight.

It's a must-win game for LSG - For the Lucknow Super Giants, the equation is simple. They must win every game to stay alive. Rishabh Pant and his men have had a rocky road so far, sitting at the bottom of the points table. They’ll be leaning heavily on Nicholas Pooran, who found his form in the last match, and hoping that Mitchell Marsh provides a flying start. The home crowd is desperate to see their stars click and keep those playoff hopes flickering.

Welcome to the Ekana! Hello everyone, and welcome to the 50th match of this IPL season. It’s a warm evening, and the atmosphere is electric for this massive clash. We have the home team, Lucknow Super Giants, taking on the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It’s a battle of two teams at opposite ends of the table, but in the IPL, anything can happen.

... MATCH DAY ...

Test of strength and character - The IPL 2026 has reached that deliciously tense stretch where every game starts to feel like a soft knockout. The points table is no longer a broad highway, it is a narrowing lane, and only a handful of teams are still in control of their own fate. Five, maybe six teams still have a believable claim. The rest are either clinging on or waiting to meddle. And lately, meddling has become an art form. The sides comfortably perched at the top have been nudged, even rattled, by teams with little to show for their season. It has added a bit of a layer of unpredictability in the toughest league. That is where Lucknow Super Giants enter this contest. Bottom of the standings, yes. Out of rhythm, absolutely. But also oddly free. When there is nothing left to defend, a team can become dangerously expressive. Facing the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at the Ekana Stadium, this becomes less about qualification and more about character. For Lucknow, it is a chance to prove that even a wounded team can still land a telling blow. Season of contrasts - LSG's season has not just disappointed, it has drifted. Six defeats in a row, each one chipping away in a different manner. Games they should have closed out slipped. Chases that looked routine lost direction. Even a Super Over found a way to go against them. It has been a campaign where nothing has quite clicked at the same time. The equation is now harsh, mathematically and realistically. Even a perfect finish, winning five of the remaining five games, only lifts them to 14 points, which may not be enough. They may not control their own fate anymore, but they can still influence someone else’s. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, return from a brief pause, looking to reset from their previous defeat. Their campaign has followed a curious rhythm. Losses have come, but never in clusters. Each setback has been followed by a strong response, a pattern that has kept them steady in the race. Six wins so far have given them a solid platform, and with five games to go, the path is simple. Two more victories should be enough to secure their place in the next stage. The need to find answers - LSG have spent the better part of this season doing what no team wants to do mid-campaign. Searching for the right opening pair, searching for a reliable middle-order presence, searching for any sign that this batting unit can string together a performance worthy of the names on the teamsheet. Four opening combinations tried, and the answers have still not arrived. Their average first wicket partnership this season reads a mere 26 runs, which tells the whole story. On paper, this is not a side that should be struggling. Marsh, Markram, Pooran, Pant. These are not fringe players, these are men who have won matches in far more pressured situations. And yet, consistency has remained stubbornly out of reach. Markram has flickered without quite catching fire. Mitchell Marsh, almost by default, has become their batting anchor with 256 runs, which tells its own story about how those around him have fared. Josh Inglis just arrived in the previous game with his availability finally cleared, and the team would hope he brings some form with him. Still, not everything has been bleak. Mukul Choudhary has been one of the genuine discoveries of the season, a young player announcing himself with intent. Himmat Singh, too, has shown that he belongs. But the moment that truly lifted spirits came against Mumbai, when Nicholas Pooran finally looked like himself again. 21 balls, 63 runs. Pure, unfiltered Pooran. And LSG will be desperate for that version of Pooran to stick around. The Pant problem - With Pant, there is always a caveat. His brand of batting is thrilling precisely because it operates without a safety net. But this season, it is not just that the risks have not paid off. It is the timing and the manner of his dismissals that have left the team shaking their heads. LSG can live with Pant throwing caution to the wind. What they cannot afford is losing him cheaply at the moments they need him most. Still, the LSG skipper has just over 200 runs this season, but the team and its faithful would expect a bit more responsibility and consistency from the leader. The pace of youth - If there is one department where LSG can keep their heads high, it is their bowling. The investments they have made through an all-Indian attack have given them something to cheer about. LSG are still one of the most economical bowling units in this season, barring the previous game where they leaked too many. Prince Yadav leads the wicket-taking charts for the Super Giants, while the inclusion of Mohsin Khan has brought balance and wicket-taking consistency in equal measure. He has played just five matches so far and has picked 10 wickets, including a five-for. The conveyor belt is well and truly running. And at the top of it stands Mohammed Shami. He may have been a touch expensive with the ball this season, but his value goes beyond figures. He is the one who keeps the belt moving. Title defence still on track - Despite losing their previous game to the Titans, RCB find themselves in a far more comfortable position than the result might suggest. A win here could well see them jump to the top of the points table, and they carry the best net run rate in the competition at +1.420 to back that ambition up. Six wins so far, four of them while chasing. Both departments have worked in sync, complementing each other well. For the defending champions, the machine is in good shape. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with all his gentleness, has tormented the batters so far. With 17 wickets, he not only leads the Purple Cap race but has reasserted himself as one of the IPL greats. With Josh Hazlewood alongside him at the top, RCB have found a new-ball partnership that opposing batters are losing sleep over. One probes with swing and precision, the other slams the deck hard with pace. Their consistency has made life for the second line of attack a lot easier, with the likes of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma also being among wickets more often than not. An update on Phil Salt - Phil Salt has returned to the UK for scans on a finger injury that has kept him out of the last three matches, and with no clear timeline on his return, Jacob Bethell is set to continue at the top of the order. Salt's absence leaves a void that is hard to ignore, particularly with the playoffs edging closer. Bethell has done little wrong in the opportunity given to him, but with 39 runs in three games so far, he will look to improve his credentials. Kohli leads the way - Nearing the 400-run mark, as he so habitually does, Kohli has been the picture of consistency this season. An average of 54.14, not a single single-digit score to his name, three fifties and several proactive starts besides. But perhaps the most telling number is his strike rate of 165.50, among the best in the RCB squad. This is not just Kohli accumulating; this is Kohli accelerating. The contributions beyond him have been consistent as well, with Devdutt Padikkal being in his purple patch and striking at 188 this season. The middle order hasn’t quite got an opportunity to express themselves in the last few games, but they would hope that when need be, they do the needful as well. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches, recent first) LSG - LLLLL | RCB - LWWLW. What to expect? The Ekana surface is one of the slowest this IPL. Average first innings scores have barely crept past 150, and yet a Super Over has already been produced here, which tells you everything about how closely contested these low-scoring games can get. The ball has done the talking more often than the bat, and a similar black-soil pitch is expected again. Spinners and medium-pacers who use their variations will find plenty to work with. As for the contest itself, LSG have a point to prove. RCB got the better of them in Bengaluru earlier in the season, and the overall head-to-head reads 5-2 in the RCB's favour. More pressingly, LSG are yet to beat RCB at this very ground, and Ekana has been a house of horrors for the Super Giants in general, with eight consecutive home losses piling up. The hosts will be desperate to end that run. RCB, naturally, will have other ideas.