IPL 2026 Match 50 features a key clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 7 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
LSG are struggling at the bottom of the table with just 4 points from 9 matches and come into this game on a five-match losing streak, leaving their playoff hopes in serious danger.
RCB, on the other hand, are in strong form, placed 2nd with 12 points. With Virat Kohli leading the charge and a well-balanced squad, they will look to continue their dominance over LSG.
IPL 2026 Match 50 LSG vs RCB Match Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 50, IPL 2026 (TATA IPL) |
| Teams | Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Date | Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Live Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
| LSG Captain | Rishabh Pant |
| RCB Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| LSG Position | 10th (2W, 7L, 4 pts, NRR: Negative) |
| RCB Position | Top 3 (Strong form, playoff-bound) |
IPL 2026 Match 50 Odds for LSG vs RCB
RCB’s superior form, stronger batting depth, and an 5-2 head-to-head advantage over LSG make them clear favourites for this fixture. RCB’s win odds are priced around 1.55–1.65, while LSG, fighting for their IPL 2026 survival, sit in the 2.30–2.50 range.
The toss market is nearly even, with both captains expected to prefer fielding first at Ekana under lights.
| Platform | LSG Win Odds | RCB Win Odds | Toss Odds (LSG) | Toss Odds (RCB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 2.40 | 1.58 | 1.90 | 1.85 |
| Stake | 2.35 | 1.62 | 1.88 | 1.88 |
| 4RABET | 2.50 | 1.55 | 1.85 | 1.90 |
| BetVibe | 2.45 | 1.60 | 1.88 | 1.88 |
IPL 2026 Match 50 Toss Prediction for LSG vs RCB
The Ekana Stadium toss has been a decisive factor throughout IPL 2026. At this venue, teams batting second have enjoyed a clear advantage, chasing sides won 6 of 8 matches in IPL 2025, and the early 2026 data follows a similar trend. The first-innings average score at Ekana this season is only around 155–165 runs, making the target relatively accessible for a well-set batting side.
The dew factor at Lucknow in May evenings is moderate, not as severe as Delhi or Hyderabad, but still enough to slow the ball’s grip for bowlers after the 12th–14th over of the second innings. This slightly tilts the balance toward chasing.
Both Rishabh Pant and Rajat Patidar are tactically aware captains who will know the pitch and conditions intimately.
Toss Prediction: The toss winner will elect to field first. Chasing teams have won more matches at Ekana in 2026, and the evening dew makes the ball harder to grip in the second half of the second innings.
LSG Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2026 Match 50
LSG’s 2026 season has been a story of two halves, a bowling attack that can restrict opponents to competitive totals, and a batting lineup that keeps collapsing at the wrong moments.
Mitchell Marsh is their leading run-scorer with 256 runs at a strike rate of 139.13, but they are still the only team yet to post a 200-plus score this season. The return of Mayank Yadav in recent matches has injected pace into their attack, and Prince Yadav has been their standout wicket-taker. With playoff hopes mathematically alive but practically slim, every player will know this is effectively a knockout game.
| Rank | Player | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Marsh | Batter (Opener) | Leading run-scorer, 256 runs at SR 139.13 |
| 2 | Ayush Badoni | Batter | Consistent middle-order option, 386 runs at Ekana |
| 3 | Rishabh Pant (c/wk) | WK-Batter | Captain, explosive striker; 118* vs RCB in IPL 2025 |
| 4 | Nicholas Pooran | Batter | Dangerous finisher; 81 off 27 balls vs RCB in 2023 |
| 5 | Aiden Markram | All-rounder | Overseas batting firepower, middle-order anchor |
| 6 | Mukul Choudhary | WK-Batter | Second wicketkeeper option, useful lower-order bat |
| 7 | Himmat Singh | Batter | Impact player candidate, extra batting depth |
| 8 | Mohammed Shami | Bowler | New-ball menace, swing and seam with the Dukes |
| 9 | Avesh Khan | Bowler | Death-overs specialist, known for yorkers |
| 10 | Prince Yadav | Bowler | LSG’s leading wicket-taker this season |
| 11 | Mohsin Khan | Bowler | Left-arm pace, powerplay accuracy |
| 12 (Impact) | Digvesh Singh Rathi | Bowler | Finger-spin on a pitch that aids variations |
RCB Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2026 Match 50
RCB arrive in Lucknow as defending IPL champions and in robust form. Virat Kohli has already become the first player in IPL history to cross 9,000 runs and is in superb touch with 351 runs this season at a strike rate of 162.50.
Devdutt Padikkal has been electric at No. 3 with 242 runs at an extraordinary strike rate of 192.06. Rajat Patidar continues to captain with aggression, scoring 238 runs at a strike rate of 210.61. With the ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has crossed the milestone of 200 IPL wickets, leading RCB’s attack with 14 scalps. Josh Hazlewood, who has taken 9 wickets in just 3 career innings against LSG, remains RCB’s most dangerous bowler in this fixture.
| Rank | Player | Role | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | Batter (Opener) | 351 runs at SR 162.50; first to 9,000 IPL runs |
| 2 | Devdutt Padikkal | Batter | 242 runs at SR 192.06; explosive at No.3 |
| 3 | Rajat Patidar (c) | Batter | 238 runs at SR 210.61; captained RCB to 2025 title |
| 4 | Jitesh Sharma (wk) | WK-Batter | 85* off 33 balls vs LSG in IPL 2025 chase |
| 5 | Tim David | Batter | Death-overs specialist; 197+ SR in 2025 |
| 6 | Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | Power-hitting finisher + useful medium pace |
| 7 | Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | Left-arm spin + lower-order batting, accurate in middle overs |
| 8 | Jacob Bethell | All-rounder | Left-hand bat, slow left-arm orthodox, young overseas talent |
| 9 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | 14 wickets this season; 200 IPL wickets milestone |
| 10 | Suyash Sharma | Bowler | Wrist-spin, extracts turn on slow Lucknow surfaces |
| 11 | Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | 9 wickets in 3 innings vs LSG; RCB’s pace spearhead |
| 12 (Impact) | Phil Salt | WK-Batter | Aggressive powerplay option if conditions suit |
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, IPL 2026
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is one of the most distinctive venues in the IPL, a place where tactics and variations matter far more than raw power. The black-soil surface keeps the bounce low and slow, rewarding bowlers who can use cutters, googlies, and change-ups. High-scoring explosions like those at Wankhede or Chinnaswamy simply do not happen here.
Surface: Slow, tacky black-soil pitch with low-and-slow bounce. The ball grips and turns as the match progresses, especially in the middle overs.
Average Score: The average first-innings score at Ekana in IPL 2026 is approximately 155–165 runs. A total of 185+ is considered very difficult to chase here. In contrast to high-scoring venues like the Chinnaswamy (where RCB posted 250/3 vs CSK), Ekana demands patience and placement over brute force.
Pace vs Spin: Pacers have dominated at this venue, taking approximately 75% of wickets in IPL 2026 at Ekana – particularly those using slower balls and cutters. Spinners do extract grip and turn from the surface, but their economy rates tend to be friendlier to batters who read the flight well.
Boundaries: The outfield at Ekana is large, with square boundaries extending to around 70–72 metres. Compared to Chinnaswamy or Kotla, clearing the rope requires genuine timing – mishits rarely carry.
Key Factor: Chasing teams have won more matches at this venue. In IPL 2025, six of eight Ekana matches were won by the side batting second. The trend has continued in 2026.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Stadium | BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Capacity | ~50,000 |
| Pitch Type | Slow, black-soil, low-bounce surface |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | 155–165 runs |
| Boundary Size | Square: ~70–72m (larger than most IPL venues) |
| LSG Home Record (IPL history) | 9 wins from 23 matches at Ekana |
| Lowest Score at Ekana | 108 all out – LSG vs RCB (IPL 2023) |
| Best Strategy | Field first; teams batting second have a clear statistical edge |
Lucknow Weather Report, May 7, 2026
Good news for fantasy players and fans planning to head to the stadium, Lucknow’s weather in early May evenings is warm but workable. No rain threat is forecast, ensuring a full 40-over contest.
| Weather Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Clear skies, warm and dry evening |
| Temperature | 32°C at match start, dropping to ~25–27°C by the final overs |
| Humidity | Moderate, around 33–36% |
| Wind Speed | Light winds, 10–15 km/h |
| Dew Factor | Moderate; expected to set in from the 12th–14th over of the 2nd innings |
| Rain Probability | Less than 5% during match hours (7:30 PM – 10:45 PM IST) |
| Match Interruption Risk | Very Low. A full 40-over contest is virtually guaranteed |
Dream11 Team for LSG vs RCB
LSG vs RCB Head-to-Head Record: Last 5 Matches
Overall Head-to-Head (IPL History): LSG and RCB have faced each other 7 times in IPL history, including Match 23 of the IPL 2026 Season at the Chinnaswamy. RCB lead 5-2. Both of LSG’s victories have come at their home ground, the Ekana Stadium, which makes this match an interesting proposition as LSG hunt a rare home win.
At Ekana specifically: RCB have won 2 of 3 matches at this venue. LSG’s only Ekana win came in IPL 2023, when Nicholas Pooran hit a stunning 81 off 27 balls to win off the last delivery.
| Match | Date | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | RCB | 5 wickets (29 balls remaining) | Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru |
| IPL 2025 | May 27, 2025 | RCB | 6 wickets | Ekana, Lucknow |
| IPL 2024 | Apr 18, 2024 | LSG | 28 runs | Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru |
| IPL 2023 | May 1, 2023 | LSG | 1 wicket (last ball) | Ekana, Lucknow |
| IPL 2023 | Apr 10, 2023 | RCB | 18 runs | Ekana, Lucknow |
The trend from the last two encounters tells a clear story. In IPL 2026’s first meeting (Match 23), RCB bowled LSG out for 146, Josh Hazlewood was named Player of the Match, and chased down 147/5 with 29 balls to spare. The match before that, in IPL 2025, saw Jitesh Sharma’s extraordinary 85* off 33 balls seal a famous RCB win, capping their run to the title. RCB have won their last 2 encounters against LSG in a row.
Our Prediction: RCB Have Better Chances to Win Against LSG in IPL 2026 Match 50
Bottom line up front: RCB win, restricting LSG below 160 and chasing it down comfortably, or posting 175+ and defending it with Hazlewood-Bhuvneshwar.
Why RCB Can Win
The head-to-head record is overwhelming. RCB lead 5-2 in this rivalry, and they have beaten LSG in each of the last two meetings – including once at Lucknow and once at Bengaluru in IPL 2026 itself. The defending champions carry a psychological edge that is hard to overstate.
Virat Kohli is in the form of the season. At 351 runs with a strike rate of 162.50, Kohli is not just anchoring RCB’s innings – he is attacking with intent. Against a LSG bowling attack that has conceded big totals this year, Kohli’s ability to take the attack on in the powerplay makes him the most dangerous batter in this contest.
Josh Hazlewood against LSG is a matchup nightmare. Nine wickets in three innings against this exact lineup is not a coincidence – it is a sustained pattern of dominance. His pace, seam movement, and length control are perfectly suited to Ekana’s early-match conditions. If he is firing in the powerplay, LSG’s top order – which has already been fragile this season – could collapse quickly.
LSG’s batting has been the weakness all season. They are the only team yet to post a 200-plus score in IPL 2026. Mitchell Marsh has been decent, but beyond him and Rishabh Pant, the contributions have been inconsistent. RCB’s bowling attack, which combines Hazlewood’s pace, Bhuvneshwar’s swing, and Krunal’s left-arm guile, is perfectly constructed to exploit that fragility on a slow Ekana surface.
Why LSG Can Win
Home advantage and knowledge of conditions. LSG have the Ekana pitch engineered to suit their bowling attack – slow cutters from Avesh Khan, the wrist-spin of Digvesh Rathi, and the raw pace of Prince Yadav. If they bat first and post 170+, defending at home with crowd support becomes a genuine possibility.
Rishabh Pant is the great equaliser. His 118* off 61 balls in IPL 2025 against RCB showed that he can single-handedly shift a match. If Pant gets in and fires in the middle overs, LSG can post a score that challenges any batting lineup, even one as powerful as RCB’s.
Nicholas Pooran’s history in this fixture is terrifying. His 81 off 27 balls in 2023 remains one of the most destructive cameos ever seen in this rivalry. Even on a slow surface, Pooran can rip apart a bowling attack in the death overs if he connects cleanly.
LSG’s desperation creates unpredictability. Do-or-die matches often produce heroic performances from players who know their season is on the line. Against the odds, a cornered LSG side might produce their best cricket of the tournament.
Final Verdict
Conditions and form both favour RCB. The Ekana pitch is slow and strategic, it suits RCB’s disciplined bowling more than it helps LSG’s misfiring batting lineup. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar with the new ball can set the tone early, and once Kohli and Padikkal are set in the chase, LSG’s bowlers will struggle to contain them.
LSG’s last two wins in this rivalry both came with extraordinary individual performances (Pooran’s 81 off 27 balls, Pant’s 118*). For them to win Match 50, they need another one. RCB do not need a miracle – they need Kohli to bat, Hazlewood to bowl, and the defending champions to handle pressure as they have all season.
Predicted Winner: RCB by 5–6 wickets (if chasing) or by 15–20 runs (if defending a total of 175+).
This prediction is based on publicly available squad data, injury reports, venue stats, and historical records as of May 6, 2026. Official playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
