Rain caused a delay in the highly anticipated IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, raising a key question: is there a reserve day?
The simple answer: No, there is no reserve day for this match. According to IPL rules, if the game cannot be completed due to weather, the team that finished higher in the league stage automatically advances.
In this case, Punjab Kings, who topped the league table, will qualify for the final over fourth-placed Mumbai Indians if the match is washed out.
The cut-off time for a five-over-per-side game is 11:56 PM IST. As of 9:25 PM IST, the main square remained under covers due to passing showers, though the match was originally scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST.
The winner of this match will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday.
Team Updates
Punjab Kings received a major boost with the return of leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who had missed recent matches due to a right wrist injury. He replaced left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar in the XI. Captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first, citing overcast and windy conditions. PBKS also brought in pacer Vyshak Vijaykumar, with Prabhsimran Singh set to feature as the impact player during the chase.
“We’ve recovered well and are fully rejuvenated. The dressing room atmosphere is top-notch, and we’re ready to win,” Iyer said at the toss.
Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, handed a debut to England’s Reece Topley, who replaced Richard Gleeson, sidelined by a niggle after MI’s 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. MI skipper Hardik Pandya said he also wanted to bowl first but remained confident about batting on a pitch that has flattened out.
“If you bat well, you can put up a big score. We’ve had just one day’s break, so recovery was key, but we’re in rhythm and know what we need to execute,” Pandya said.
With both teams hungry for a shot at the title, fans are hoping the weather clears up for a thrilling contest.
