As the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) approaches, scheduled for June 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, concerns about potential rain disruptions have surfaced. With the winner set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on June 3, understanding the implications of a washed-out match is crucial.
IPL's Rain Protocols for Playoff Matches
The IPL has established clear guidelines to address weather-related interruptions during playoff matches:
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Extra Time Allocation: An additional 120 minutes is allotted to accommodate any delays due to rain, aiming to complete the match on the scheduled day.
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Reserve Day Provision: If the match cannot be completed on the original day, a reserve day is in place to ensure the game reaches a conclusion.
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Reduced Overs and Super Over: In scenarios where even the reserve day is affected, the match may be shortened, with each team playing a minimum of five overs. If a result is still unattainable, a Super Over may be employed to determine the winner.
Implications of a Complete Washout
Should both the scheduled day and the reserve day be entirely washed out, the team that finished higher in the league standings would advance to the final. In this case, Punjab Kings, having secured a higher position than Mumbai Indians during the league phase, would progress to the final.
Historical Context and Team Performances
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Punjab Kings: Aiming for their first IPL final since 2014, PBKS has shown consistent performance throughout the season, culminating in a strong league finish.
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Mumbai Indians: Despite a mixed season, MI's experience in high-pressure matches remains invaluable. However, their lower league standing places them at a disadvantage in the event of a washout.
