Will Rain Dampen the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 Clash Between PBKS and MI in Ahmedabad?
In a thrilling build-up to the IPL 2025 finale, the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to lock horns with the Shikhar Dhawan-captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Sunday. Just 48 hours after MI clinched a nail-biting victory over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, the five-time champions are back in action, vying for the second spot in the summit clash.
While Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already secured their place in the final with a commanding performance against PBKS in Qualifier 1, the stage is set for an intense battle between MI and PBKS. The winner of this high-stakes encounter will earn the right to face RCB in the grand finale, scheduled for June 3 at the same venue. However, dark clouds—both literal and figurative—loom over this blockbuster clash.
Weather Concerns in Ahmedabad: Recent weather reports from Ahmedabad have raised eyebrows, with the possibility of rain playing spoilsport in this crucial penultimate match of the season. The city has been experiencing intermittent showers over the past few days, and although no heavy downpours have been recorded, a light drizzle disrupted a PBKS training session earlier this week.
According to AccuWeather, Sunday evening could see a breezy atmosphere with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 38°C during the day, dropping to a cooler 31°C by night. Forecasts indicate a 30% chance of late showers, which, while not guaranteeing a washout, is enough to keep fans and teams on edge. Should rain delay the start of play, the IPL has provisions for a 120-minute delay window to ensure the match goes ahead. In the unfortunate event of a complete washout, PBKS, by virtue of finishing atop the points table with 19 points compared to MI’s fourth-place finish with 16 points, would automatically qualify for the final.
Team Dynamics and Stakes: Both teams have had contrasting journeys to this stage. Punjab Kings, under the astute leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, have been the table-toppers this season, showcasing consistency with a formidable batting lineup featuring the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone, complemented by a lethal bowling attack led by Arshdeep Singh. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, despite a rocky league stage, have found their groove at the right time, with Suryakumar Yadav in scintillating form and Jasprit Bumrah delivering match-winning spells.
As the countdown to Sunday begins, all eyes will be on the skies above Ahmedabad. A full 40-over contest is what fans crave, but the unpredictability of the weather adds an extra layer of drama to an already electric encounter. Will rain steal the spotlight, or will we witness a fitting precursor to the IPL 2025 final? Stay tuned for updates as we bring you the latest from the ground!