Punjab Kings will visit the Ekana Stadium to face the Lucknow SuperGiants in their last league game. A must-win encounter for Punjab Kings, as many things relied on their win, which they have been trying to find for a long time. It’s the 68th match of the season and Punjab Kings’ last win came almost one month ago, on 25th April, against Delhi Capitals, which was the 35th match of the season. They are coming to play their most important game after six back-to-back defeats. It is not going to be easy but the unavailability of Mitchell Marsh for the last game can give them confidence. The inform batter has smashed 297 runs in the last 4 matches of which 186 runs came in the last two innings with the help of 90 and 96 runs respectively.
What happened to Mitchel Marsh?
Lucknow Super Giants have been dealt a major blow ahead of their final IPL 2026 league match against Punjab Kings, with Mitchell Marsh unavailable for the clash. The Australian all-rounder has left the squad to join Australia’s ODI preparations for the Pakistan series starting May 30.
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Marsh has been one of LSG’s best performers this season, scoring 563 runs at a strike rate of over 163, including a century and several fifties. His absence leaves a significant gap in LSG’s batting lineup as the side looks to end its campaign on a positive note, while PBKS continues its push for a playoff spot.
🚨 UPDATE FROM LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS CAMP 🚨
— Harshit (@I_am_Harshit_17) May 23, 2026
• Today’s match will be played on pitch no.5 mix soil pitch.
• Rishabh Pant last game for LSG as both captain and player.
• Mohammed Shami back in 11
• Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh will open against PBKS.
• Rishabh Pant at no.4… pic.twitter.com/MgLuk7wunM
For Lucknow, Aiden Markram is also going to remain unavailable so there will be a lot of work that will be needed to do for Lucknow with their team, what combination they go for that will be an important aspect in terms of matchups. They have two overseas options, George Linde and Bretzkee, who can get their chances in the match.
What to expect
A blistering afternoon is expected, with temperatures soaring beyond the 40-degree mark. Despite being one of the more bowler-friendly venues this season, the last two matches here involving RCB and CSK turned into high-scoring affairs, both won by LSG.
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Pacers could still find some movement early on, but chasing sides have largely enjoyed success at this ground, winning nine of the 13 matches played here since IPL 2025, excluding the KKR Super Over fixture.
