The LSG vs MI (IPL 2025) Match 16 is all set to light up your Friday evening! Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are locking horns with the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) at the stunning Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 4, 2025.
With both teams boasting power-packed lineups, this clash is more than just a regular fixture—it’s a crucial early-season encounter that could set the tone for what’s to come. Whether you’re here to cheer for your favourite side or to fine-tune your Dream11 lineup, we’ve got you covered with all the essential insights.
Match Details
-
Teams: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Mumbai Indians (MI)
-
Match Number: 16, IPL 2025
-
Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
-
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Lucknow’s home ground brings its own vibe—one that’s tactical, a bit spin-friendly, and often decisive when it comes to match results. Expect high energy from the stands and nerves from both camps as they battle for points and pride.
Pitch Report – Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
The pitch at Ekana is known for being a bit on the slower side, especially with its black soil surface. It’s not your typical batting paradise, and that’s what makes it all the more exciting—batters need to work hard, and bowlers with guile can shine.
Nature of the Pitch
-
Type: Balanced, slightly slow
-
Assists: Spinners and pace bowlers with good variation
-
Boundaries: Large, making six-hitting a tough task unless you’re set
This kind of surface puts a premium on timing and placement rather than brute force. Expect batters to go for calculated risks, while bowlers with cutters, slower balls, and spin might run the show.
Stat Attack
-
Average 1st Innings Score: 160-170
-
Chasing Record: In the last 6 games here, teams chasing have won 5—huge edge!
Dew Factor
Dew is a big deal here. In evening games, the second innings gets easier for batters as bowlers struggle to grip the wet ball. That’s why winning the toss usually means choosing to bowl first.
Toss Factor – Bowl First is the Mantra
If history and conditions are anything to go by, the captain winning the toss will want to bowl first. With the ball skidding under lights and grip vanishing as dew settles in, defending a total becomes tricky business.
-
Why Bowling First Works:
-
Dew eases shot-making in the second innings
-
Spinners lose their edge when the ball gets wet
-
Pressure shifts to the team defending
-
So, if you’re building your Dream11 team, keep this in mind—players from the chasing side, especially batters, tend to rake in more points.
Dream11 Tips – Build Your Winning Team
Creating the perfect Dream11 team is all about reading the game, venue, and momentum right. Here’s your fantasy game plan for LSG vs MI (IPL 2025) Match 16:
Wicketkeepers
-
Nicholas Pooran (LSG): Explosive in the middle overs and especially lethal against pace. Can score quick 30s or 40s, even if batting at No. 5 or 6.
-
Rishabh Pant (LSG): The skipper is back and in form. His aggressive style fits perfectly for the middle overs, and as captain, he’s involved in every aspect—great for fantasy points.
Batters
-
Rohit Sharma (MI): The ‘Hitman’ may have had a lukewarm IPL 2024, but experience and class don’t fade. A slow pitch might suit his pace-building approach.
-
Suryakumar Yadav (MI): SKY can take the game away in a flash. His 360-degree strokeplay and ability to dominate spin make him dangerous at this venue.
-
Ayush Badoni (LSG): A local boy with finishing ability. Not many will pick him, but he could be a smart differential if LSG bat second.
All-Rounders
-
Hardik Pandya (MI): Back as MI’s captain, he’s yet to explode in IPL 2025. But this pitch is perfect for his cutters, and he’s overdue for a batting cameo.
-
Mitchell Marsh (LSG): Reliable up the order and can chip in with the ball. On a slow pitch, his off-cutters and back-of-length deliveries could be gold.
Bowlers
-
Trent Boult (MI): Deadly in the powerplay. If MI bowls first, Boult could grab a couple of early wickets with the new ball.
-
Ravi Bishnoi (LSG): Knows this pitch like the back of his hand. Expect tight overs and wicket-taking deliveries in the middle phase.
-
Shardul Thakur (LSG): Can swing the bat and the ball. Useful in any Dream11 setup.
-
Jasprit Bumrah (MI): Mr. Reliable. If he plays, you must pick him. But watch for final lineups—MI might rotate bowlers.
Suggested Dream11 Team
Wicketkeepers: Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (C)
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ayush Badoni
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya (VC), Mitchell Marsh
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah
Captain Choice: Rishabh Pant – in form and a dual-role fantasy machine
Vice-Captain: Hardik Pandya – all-rounders are gold on slow tracks
⚠️ Pro Tip: Always confirm the final playing XIs before locking your Dream11 squad. Lineup surprises are common in IPL!
Match Time
-
Date: April 4, 2025
-
Start Time: 7:30 PM IST
-
Toss: 7:00 PM IST
Make sure to finalize your Dream11 team by 7:25 PM IST!
Live Streaming Details
Want to catch the game live? Here’s where you can tune in:
India (TV & Online)
-
TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, and regional Star Sports channels
-
Online: JioHotstar app and website – now in 4K and multilingual commentary
International
-
USA/Canada: Willow TV
-
UK: Sky Sports Cricket
-
Australia: Fox Sports
-
Pakistan: Tapmad, Geo Super
Don’t forget to check your local listings for accurate timing and channel options.
Key Insights
-
Head-to-Head: LSG leads MI 5-1. Total dominance so far!
-
Player to Watch: Rishabh Pant vs Ricky Ponting – a juicy subplot!
-
Weather: Perfect cricket conditions. Clear skies, 25–30°C, no rain threat.
This clash between LSG and MI promises thrills, skills, and high-stakes drama. With both teams hungry for points and players aiming to prove a point, you’re in for a cracker! Build your Dream11 wisely, tune in on time, and let the IPL fever roll on.