Rain delays IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium; Punjab Kings hold advantage

Rain delayed the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians were set to battle for a place in the final.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, hold a significant advantage due to their top finish in the league stage, while Mumbai Indians, captained by Hardik Pandya, finished fourth.

There is no reserve day for this match, meaning if rain prevents a minimum of five overs per side, the game will be abandoned and Punjab Kings will advance directly to the final.

The match was delayed twice due to rain after the toss, with Punjab electing to bowl first. The BCCI has increased extra time provisions to 120 minutes to accommodate weather interruptions, but persistent rain could still force a washout.

Mumbai Indians enter the contest on strong form, having won eight of their last ten games, including a recent win over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. However, Punjab Kings are coming off a heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 but have the confidence of topping the points table.

The winner will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final on June 3.

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch favors teams batting first, with high-scoring games common this season. Punjab began their campaign here with a commanding win over Gujarat Titans.

Key players include Mumbai’s Jasprit Bumrah, praised as a "cheat code" for his bowling impact, and Punjab’s star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who is recovering from injury and expected to play.

If the match is abandoned, Punjab Kings will progress due to their superior league position, underscoring the importance of their consistent season performance.

Quotes:
"If the match gets washed out due to rain, it will be good news for Punjab Kings (PBKS). Since they finished at the top of the league stage standings, they will qualify for the IPL 2025 final if no play is possible."

Stats:
- Punjab Kings topped the league stage with 19 points.
- Mumbai Indians finished fourth.
- Mumbai Indians have won five IPL titles.
- Mumbai Indians have won eight of their last ten matches.
- Yuzvendra Chahal has taken 14 wickets in 12 matches this season.

This high-stakes match is pivotal for both teams, with weather conditions playing a crucial role in determining the finalists.

Rain delayed the IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. Punjab, topping the league stage, holds the advantage if the match is abandoned, as no reserve day exists. The winner will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on June 3.