Lucknow Super Giants face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 Match 44 at BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on Thursday, 30 April 2026, starting at 19:30 IST (UTC+5:30). The venue holds 50,000 spectators. Lucknow Super Giants are yet to win the IPL, having joined the competition in 2022. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are yet to win the IPL across 18 seasons, the longest title drought of any active franchise. Rishabh Pant captains Lucknow Super Giants and Virat Kohli leads Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow offers even pace and bounce throughout, with evening dew making life easier for batters in the second innings. Lucknow Super Giants, founded in 2022, have quickly become a competitive presence in the IPL group stage despite their short history.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have one of the most passionate fanbases in world cricket despite never winning the IPL title. The pursuit of a first championship remains the defining story of the franchise.

Match times by timezone

IPL 2026 Match 44 starts at 19:30 IST (UTC+5:30) in Lucknow. Fans in India and across the subcontinent watch during prime time. UK viewers tune in at 2:00 PM GMT (UTC+0) in London. Australian fans in Sydney and Melbourne follow the action at 12:00 AM AEST (UTC+10). US East Coast viewers can watch from 10:00 AM EDT (UTC-4) in New York. For the exact current local time in India, check India time.

With the IPL group stage delivering only four playoff spots from ten teams, every match in the second half of the season carries maximum stakes. A two-point win not only improves a franchise’s position in the table but also strengthens their net run rate, which can be the deciding factor when two sides finish level on points. Both Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will approach this fixture with full intent, knowing that the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit can come down to a single result.