Lucknow Super Giants Mitchell Marsh (ANI Image)
MUMBAI: In a big boost for Punjab Kings, who are still in the race for a play-off berth, Lucknow Super Giants will be without in-form opener Mitchell Marsh for Saturday night’s IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, as the Australian all-rounder has departed for Pakistan for the three-match ODI series between Australia and Pakistan, which will begin on May 30 with the first match. In Rawalpindi.While the match, the final league game for both teams, is a dead rubber for LSG, who failed to qualify for the playoffs, it is a must-win encounter for PBKS to keep their hopes of progressing in the competition alive. Marsh has been in sensational form this IPL season, scoring 563 runs in 13 matches at an average of 43.30 and a strike rate of 163.18, including one century and three fifties.
The Australian T20 skipper, who enjoyed the best IPL season of his career, was one of the few bright spots in another disappointing campaign for LSG, who have been placed at the bottom of the IPL 2026 table after losing nine times and winning just four of their 13 matches.The Australian all-rounder is LSG’s top run-scorer this season, amassing 563 runs in 13 innings, including two centuries and three half-centuries. In comparison, skipper Rishabh Pant is the second highest run-scorer in the series with 286 runs from 12 innings, almost half of Marsh’s tally.Apart from beating LSG, PBKS will also need Mumbai Indians to defeat Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals to beat Kolkata Knight Riders. If RR wins, their score will rise to 16 points and ensure qualification. However, if RR loses and KKR defeats DC, the final playoff spot could be decided on net run rate.