RCB aim to seal Qualifier 1 spot against LSG with Hazlewood’s return

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a crucial IPL match that will determine their playoff fate.
A win for RCB guarantees a top-two finish and a direct spot in Qualifier 1, while a loss would relegate them to the eliminator round, complicating their path to the final.

RCB currently trail Punjab Kings on net run rate despite sharing the same points, making this final league game decisive.
"The equation is simple for Royal Challengers Bengaluru: beat Lucknow Super Giants and seal a top-two finish," analysts say.

The team will be bolstered by the return of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who missed earlier matches due to a shoulder injury.
"RCB have been handed a major boost with Josh Hazlewood returning ahead of the play-offs. He is expected to come straight into the XI after recovering from a shoulder problem, replacing Lungi Ngidi," reports confirm.

RCB's away record this season is impressive, having won all six away games, a first in IPL history. However, LSG, who recently ended a losing streak, will be eager to spoil RCB's plans and secure a playoff spot themselves.

The stakes are high as Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings also vie for top-two finishes, but RCB's focus remains on clinching victory against LSG to avoid the risk of an early exit as happened last year in the eliminator.

Key stats:
RCB have won all six away games this season.
Lucknow average 10.3 sixes per game, RCB 8.6.

With Hazlewood's return and a strong away record, RCB look poised to seal their Qualifier 1 spot and strengthen their title bid.

Royal Challengers Bangalore aim to secure a top-two IPL finish by defeating Lucknow Super Giants, boosted by Josh Hazlewood's return from injury. A win guarantees RCB a Qualifier 1 spot, while a loss would push them to the eliminator round, facing a tougher path to the final.