What Happens If RCB vs PBKS Qualifier Is Abandoned? Know Who Will Qualify

IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 will see Punjab Kings face Royal Challengers Bangalore on 29 May at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.

While both PBKS and RCB are eyeing a straight entry into the final, rain could throw a wrench in their plans.

Source : PTI

The league stage of IPL 2025 is done and dusted. After 70 high-voltage matches featuring 10 teams, the top four contenders for the title have emerged: Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians. Now, the road to the trophy begins with the playoffs.

Qualifier 1 will see Punjab Kings face Royal Challengers Bangalore on 29 May at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The winner will secure a direct ticket to the final.

The Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians is scheduled for 30 May at the same venue.

What if Qualifier 1 Gets Washed Out?

While both PBKS and RCB are eyeing a straight entry into the final, rain could throw a wrench in their plans.

Importantly, there is no reserve day for Qualifier 1. According to IPL rules, if the match is abandoned without a result, the team placed higher in the points table - which is Punjab - will automatically progress to the final.

Who Holds the Advantage?

Both Punjab Kings and RCB ended the league stage with 19 points each. However, Punjab topped the table on the basis of a better net run rate (NRR):

PBKS NRR: +0.372

RCB NRR: +0.301

That means, if rain forces the match to be cancelled, PBKS will go straight to the final, while RCB will have to play Qualifier 2 for another shot.

When Is a Match Considered Abandoned?

For a match to be officially valid, both teams must play at least 5 overs each. If rain prevents even this minimum from happening, the match will be called off. In case of a delay, overs will be reduced depending on the time lost, as per IPL's standard playing conditions.

What's the Weather Forecast for Mullanpur?

Thankfully, the weather seems to be in favour of a full match. According to AccuWeather, there is no significant chance of rain during the evening. The temperature is expected to start at around 35°C and cool down to 28°C as the night progresses. Humidity levels will range between 38% and 51%, and skies are likely to remain clear throughout.