IPL 2026: Big boost for PBKS as LSG star Mitch Marsh to miss tonight’s clash

Mitchell Marsh of Lucknow Super Giants (ANI photo) MUMBAI: Lucknow Super Giants will be without their regular opener Mitchell Marsh in their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday night as the Australian all-rounder has left for Pakistan to take part in Australia vs Pakistan O DI series on May 3 in a big boost for Punjab Kings, who are still fighting for a place in the playoffs. first match in Rawalpindi.While the match, the last league game for both teams, is a dead rubber for LSG, who failed to qualify for the play-offs, it is a must-win game 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 captain, who enjoyed the best IPL season of his career, was one of the few bright spots in another disappointing campaign for LSG, who sit bottom of the IPL 2026 table after losing nine and winning just four of their 13 matches.The Australian all-rounder is LSG’s leading run-scorer this season, amassing 563 runs in 13 innings, including two centuries and three half-centuries. In comparison, skipper Rishabh Pant is the franchise’s next highest scorer with 286 runs from 12 innings, almost half of Marsh’s tally.Apart from beating LSG, PBKS will also need Mumbai Indians to beat Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals to get past Kolkata Knight Riders. If RR win, they move to 16 points and seal qualification. However, if RR lose and KKR beat DC, the final playoff spot could be decided on net run rate.