IPL 2026 match alert: LSG, DC meet at Ekana Stadium
What's the story
Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals are set to lock horns in Match 5 of the 2026 Indian Premier League. The clash, scheduled at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, will mark the final set of the teams' season openers. Notably, KL Rahul will play against his former franchise at his former home venue. Here are further details.
Details
Pitch report and conditions
The pitch at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium usually favors teams batting first, with an average score of around 160. Unlike the other grounds in India, the black-soil pitches here make it a challenging surface for run-scoring as the match progresses. The match, starting 7:30pm IST, could have cloudy overhead conditions with minimal chances of rain.
Record
A look at head-to-head record
As per ESPNcricinfo, DC and LSG have crossed swords seven times since the latter's IPL debut in the 2022 season. The Capitals have won four matches while the Super Giants emerged victorious in three. The highest team total in this rivalry is 211/5 by DC last season, while the lowest is a mere 143/9 by DC in 2023.
Spotlight
Players in spotlight
DC skipper Rishabh Pant has another fitting opportunity to bounce back in T20s. In IPL 2025, he scored 269 runs in 13 innings at 24.45 (SR: 133.16). This includes a ton in LSG's final match. Rahul, who scored 539 runs last season, is five shy of completing 700 fours in T20 cricket. He averages nearly 50 at Ekana Stadium, his former home ground.