By Swapneel Deshpande 29 May 2025, 12:13 IST
The high-stakes IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to take place today at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. However, fans have one pressing question—what if rain plays spoilsport?
The Indian Premier League’s first qualifier does not have a reserve day, which means a result must be achieved today. If the game is washed out due to rain, Punjab Kings will automatically advance to the final of IPL 2025. This is because PBKS topped the points table, edging RCB on net run-rate after both teams ended the league stage with 19 points each from 14 matches.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, despite finishing second, would then head to Qualifier 2, where they would face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). The losing side from today’s match already has this second chance, but Punjab will breathe easy knowing their top finish provides a crucial buffer.
Thankfully for cricket fans, weather reports bring good news. According to AccuWeather, there’s little to no chance of rain during the match hours. The temperature in Mullanpur is expected to hover around 35°C at the start, cooling to about 28°C by the end of play. Humidity will range between 38% and 51%, ensuring dry conditions and clear skies throughout the evening.
This comes as a major relief for organizers, players, and fans hoping to witness a full 20-over clash between two of the season’s most dominant sides.
The surface at Mullanpur promises a balanced contest between bat and ball. In the first innings, batters can look to score freely, aided by a fast outfield and consistent bounce. However, as the game progresses, spinners tend to come into play, particularly in the second innings.
With dew expected later in the evening, teams winning the toss are likely to opt for bowling first. So far in IPL 2025, the average first innings total at this venue stands at 170, with just three scores crossing 200.
As both PBKS and RCB look to seal a direct berth in the final, all eyes will now turn to the toss, the team combinations, and of course—the skies. But for now, the match appears all set to go ahead without weather interruptions.
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