In a thrilling buildup to the IPL 2025 playoffs, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to clash in Qualifier 2 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Sunday. For PBKS, led by the dynamic Shreyas Iyer, this match represents a golden opportunity to reach their first final since 2014. Meanwhile, five-time champions Mumbai Indians are hungry to secure their sixth IPL title, making this a high-stakes encounter that promises fireworks.
The journey to this stage hasn’t been without hurdles. Due to military tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL 2025 schedule underwent significant revisions, leading to a reshuffling of playoff venues. Originally planned elsewhere, Qualifier 2 and the final were relocated to Ahmedabad, a venue known for its massive capacity and electric atmosphere with over 132,000 seats. Earlier in the playoffs, PBKS faced Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1, while MI battled Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator in Mullanpur, setting the stage for this epic showdown.
Weather Forecast for Ahmedabad: Will Rain Play Spoilsport?
Weather concerns have loomed large over this crucial fixture. On Saturday, brief spells of rain disrupted PBKS’s training session, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts. However, there’s good news for cricket enthusiasts. According to AccuWeather, the evening of the Qualifier 2 match looks promising with clear skies expected. At the time of the toss at 7 PM IST, temperatures are forecasted to hover around 36 degrees Celsius, cooling down as the night progresses. Critically, the probability of precipitation remains negligible throughout the match window, ensuring a high likelihood of an uninterrupted game.
What Happens if Rain Interrupts the Match?
Despite the optimistic forecast, the IPL has robust contingency plans for unforeseen weather disruptions. In the unfortunate event of a complete washout, the team with the higher standing in the league-stage points table will advance to the final. This rule favors Punjab Kings, who topped the table with an impressive 19 points and a superior net run rate, compared to Mumbai Indians, who finished fourth. This regulation underscores the importance of consistency throughout the grueling IPL season.
Furthermore, the BCCI and IPL Governing Council have introduced additional time provisions to mitigate rain-related delays. As per the updated playing conditions, an extra 120 minutes is allocated for playoff matches, including Qualifier 2, to ensure a result is reached on the same day. The sequence for utilizing this extra time is meticulously outlined: it begins with the additional minutes, followed by adjustments in time-outs and innings intervals if necessary. For scenarios requiring a Super Over, the changeover period (up to 10 minutes) is excluded from the extra time calculations, ensuring clarity in execution.
Is There a Reserve Day for Qualifier 2?
Contrary to expectations, there is no reserve day scheduled for IPL 2025 Qualifier 2, as confirmed by tournament organizers. Unlike the final, which has a designated reserve day to accommodate weather interruptions, Qualifier 2 must conclude on the scheduled date. This places additional pressure on match officials to utilize the extra time provisions effectively and deliver a decisive outcome, even under challenging conditions.
As the cricketing world turns its gaze to Ahmedabad, this clash between PBKS and MI is more than just a game—it’s a battle for legacy. Will Shreyas Iyer’s men break their finals drought, or will Mumbai Indians reinforce their dominance as IPL’s most successful franchise? With the weather forecast on their side, fans can expect a thrilling contest under the lights at Narendra Modi Stadium. Stay tuned for every ball, every boundary, and every moment of drama in this IPL 2025 blockbuster.