'They are leading with a 60-40 chance' - Mohammad Kaif backs LSG to trump RCB in IPL 2022 Eliminator

New entrants Lucknow Super Giants have ended up in the third spot in the league stage of the IPL 2022 to qualify for the playoffs where they will play the Eliminator clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 25 (Wednesday). LSG claimed a thrilling two-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders in their last league game.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that the new entrants will have an upper hand in the Eliminator against RCB. He talked about both the bowling and batting departments of LSG, claiming the side is better than RCB in both the departments.

LSG has a slight advantage in both the departments: Mohammad Kaif

“Basically, Lucknow’s bowling is better and RCB’s is quite weak. Mohammed Siraj dropped in the previous match and Siddarth Kaul came in place of him and ended up giving 40 runs in 4 overs, which is quite expensive. On the Eden Gardens pitch, apart from [Josh] Hazlewood, RCB’s bowling is quite weak,” Kaif stated while speaking on Star Sports’ show ‘Game Plan’.

“The bowling of Lucknow is better, so RCB must perform better with their batting, should hit more sixes then only, will be able to win today’s match. It is a great battle!”, he added.

The former cricketer also praised Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul for their heroics as an opening pair in the last league game of LSG against Kolkata which ended up as a nail-biter. “Lucknow has an edge in their batting. KL Rahul and De Kock are in form and they also have a great bowling unit. So, RCB will have to work hard. If they hit more sixes, then they will win today’s match.”

“Maxwell’s small innings will have to be turned into big ones and Virat Kohli will have to continue his form. If you ask from me, Lucknow is leading this battle with a 60-40 chance.”