IPL 2025 Qualifier 2: Rain threat looms over PBKS vs MI

The stage is set for a high-voltage Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 2 showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) for a spot in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). But while fans eagerly await this clash, all eyes are now on the weather, which could have the final say in this crucial game.

According to AccuWeather, Ahmedabad is expected to be hot and humid throughout the day, but a 51% chance of rain around 5 PM threatens to disrupt the start of the match. With no reserve day in place, even a short but untimely downpour could throw the entire fixture into uncertainty.

Credit: AccuWeather

What happens if rain washes out the match?

IPL 2025's playing conditions are clear: if the match cannot be completed, and even a Super Over isn't possible due to rain or lack of time, the team that finished higher in the points table during the league stage will be declared the winner. In this case, Punjab Kings, who topped the table with 19 points, would move on to the final. Mumbai Indians, who finished fourth with 16 points, would be eliminated.

While a complete washout seems unlikely given the overall favorable weather forecast, the threat is real enough to raise concerns. To minimize the chances of a no-result, the IPL governing council has added a two-hour buffer to playoff matches, giving the ground staff more time to prepare the field if conditions improve after any rain delay.

RCB and PBKS fans unite ahead of Qualifier 2

Interestingly, fans of both Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are hoping the rain gods show up. PBKS supporters naturally want the match to get washed out to secure a spot in the final without lifting a bat. Meanwhile, many RCB fans are rooting for the same outcome — not because they don’t want to see a match, but because facing PBKS in the final is seen as a more manageable task than taking on a high-pressure, playoff-hardened Mumbai Indians unit led by Hardik Pandya.

One user wrote, "If god is real, it shall flood Motera."

if god is real, it shall flood motera https://t.co/IzCnrY2JiX

— Virat (@virat_stark) June 1, 2025

Another user shared, "I hope it rains... Because then, no matter who lifts the cup... I am happy."

I hope it rains... Because then no matter who lifts the cup... I am Happy https://t.co/QEeOI9iJV6

— Shreya Khare (@shreyakhare407) June 1, 2025

A third noted, "I hope the rain will come and save humanity."

I hope the rain will come and save humanity. https://t.co/165XgBO6lQ

— NEObie (@Neobie5) June 1, 2025

However, one user highlighted, "It's unfair for any team in that situation; there should be a reserve day at least for qualifiers."

Its unfair for any team in that situation there should be a reserve day at least for qualifier 🙏🙏

— Ani_🎗️ (@ak99__D) June 1, 2025

All eyes now shift from the pitch to the skies as the fate of Qualifier 2 hangs in the balance.

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