The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between the Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, and the Mumbai Indians, captained by Hardik Pandya. This eliminator match, scheduled for May 30 at the Mohali cricket stadium, will determine which team advances to the Qualifier 2 and which one bows out of the tournament.
Both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season. The Gujarat Titans were strong contenders for the second spot but suffered losses in their last two matches. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians were on a winning streak after their initial loss but stumbled in two of their last three league stage matches, forcing them to settle for the fourth spot. Now, both teams must win three consecutive matches to claim the championship title.
The eliminator match will be a high-stakes affair, with the winner earning a spot in the Qualifier 2. However, if rain disrupts the match, the loser will be eliminated based on their league standings. According to the IPL playoff format, the top two teams compete in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. The loser of Qualifier 1 then faces the winner of the Qualifier 2, which features the winner of the eliminator match between the third and fourth-placed teams.
In the event of a rain cancellation, the team with the higher league standing will advance. Since the Gujarat Titans finished third and the Mumbai Indians finished fourth, the Titans would move on to the Qualifier 2 if the match is abandoned due to rain.
The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM on May 30, but the weather forecast suggests a high probability of rain, including possible heavy downpours during the day and evening. Unfortunately, there is no reserve day allocated for this match, which means it must be completed on the same day.
Only the Qualifier 2 and the final have designated reserve days. If a match is interrupted by rain, it will resume the next day from the point where it was stopped. The Qualifier 2 is set for June 1, and the final will take place on June 3 at the Ahmedabad cricket stadium.