Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans, 57th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Hello and welcome to the live blog of the IPL 2022 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans in Pune. Before we get cracking with the contest, here's the preview by Gokul Gopal -

"I still can't think of any game where we've had a complete performance," said skipper KL Rahul after Lucknow Super Giants defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 75 runs in their last game to move to the top of the table. While that 'perfect game' hasn't yet come their way, LSG have been consistent enough to string eight victories in 11 games, same as fellow IPL debutants Gujarat Titans. These two sides will face off for the second time, with the winner set to become the first team to qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2022. LSG have momentum on their side, having won four on the trot while the Titans, after a five-game winning streak, have lost two successive games and will be eager to get back to winning ways.

While LSG have been served well at the top of the order by Rahul and Quinton de Kock, they have also found the solution to their No.3 problem in the form of Deepak Hooda, who has managed scores of 41, 52 and 34 in their last three games. Meanwhile, they have juggled around with the batting position of Marcus Stoinis and LSG will be hoping his 14-ball 28 in the last game is a sign of things to come as the Australian is yet to make a big impact. On the bowling front, LSG have a well-rounded pace attack that has been firing on all cylinders. Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Dushmantha Chameera and Jason Holder, between them, have picked up 44 wickets, highlighting the collective nature of LSG's pace bowling arsenal.

The Titans, who started their maiden IPL campaign with a win against LSG, have had plenty of close shaves but found a way to sneak over the line. But in their last two outings, they've had problems with the middle order which contributed towards their two losses. They ended up with a below-par total against Punjab Kings despite No.3 Sai Sudarshan's 65. The Titans were in control for the majority of the chase against Mumbai Indians, with openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha scoring half-centuries, but fell short in the end. Apart from the issues with batting, Mohammed Shami's expensive outings in the recent games will also be a slight concern for GT, who will be hoping to get back on track quickly.