The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2024. The match, scheduled for May 21 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, will decide one finalist of the IPL 2024. However, recent rain disruptions across the league, including a washout in Ahmedabad itself, have cast a shadow of uncertainty on the KKR versus SRH match. Fans will be hoping for clear skies on Tuesday, May 21. Looking beyond the weather concerns, another question arises, i.e what happens if the match is abandoned due to rain? Unlike the regular season, there's no provision for reserve days in the IPL playoffs. This is because the Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is scheduled for the following day. i.e on May 22. This situation brings back memories of the epic 2023 IPL final in Ahmedabad, which stretched into a three-day affair due to rain. Both KKR and SRH will be aiming to avoid a similar rain-affected outcome and secure a clear path to the 2024 IPL final.
What does the weather forecast say?
There's good news for cricket fans in Ahmedabad. While some parts of the city, including Sabarmati and Motera, might see light showers on May 20, with a 33 per cent chance of rain, the forecast for May 21, the crucial Qualifier 1 match day, looks promising. Both the day and evening weather are expected to be clear, with no rain predicted. Even with temperatures reaching a high of 42 degrees in the evening, fans can expect a dry and uninterrupted match at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Rain Threat? Here's what happens if KKR vs SRH gets washed Out
There's a chance the KKR versus SRH Qualifier 1 match might be impacted by rain. But what happens if the game gets washed out or no result is achieved within the allotted time and Super Overs?
In such a scenario, the team that finished higher in the points table during the league stage will advance directly to the IPL final. Since KKR topped the league, they'd secure a final berth, while SRH would head to Chennai for the Eliminator.
KKR, SRH renew rivalry in Qualifier 1
SRH's previous encounter, a nail-biting four-run win for KKR in the first week at Eden Gardens earlier in the group stage, promises an exciting battle in Ahmedabad. KKR posted a hefty 208/7 on the back of Phil Salt's blazing 40-ball 54 and Andre Russell's late cameo (25-ball 64). Their bowlers, led by Harshit Rana's crucial 3/33, then held their nerve to restrict a dangerous-looking SRH, despite a valiant knock from Heinrich Klaasen (63 off 29).
However, this time around, the dynamic shifts. SRH will be bolstered by the return of in-form batsman Travis Head, who was missing in the previous meeting. For KKR, the absence of Phil Salt due to national duty creates a selection headache for skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Can KKR overcome this setback and repeat their victory, or will SRH avenge their earlier loss with a full-strength batting line-up? All eyes will be on the battle between these two IPL powerhouses.
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