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**Rain Threatens IPL Qualifier 2: Punjab Kings vs. Mumbai Indians Match Delayed**
**Ahmedabad:** Rain has interrupted the highly anticipated IPL Qualifier 2 match between the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The match, scheduled to determine who will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final, has been delayed after a downpour began shortly after the toss. Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to field.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL governing body have allocated an extra hour to complete the match. However, unlike the final, there is no reserve day scheduled for this Qualifier. This raises concerns about the outcome should the game be washed out.
According to IPL rules, if the match is abandoned due to rain, the team higher in the league standings will advance to the final. In this scenario, Punjab Kings, who finished higher than Mumbai Indians in the league stage, would proceed to the final to play against RCB.
Punjab Kings are looking to bounce back after a batting collapse in Qualifier 1, where they were defeated by Royal Challengers Bangalore. They will rely on their strong batting lineup, including Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Marcus Stoinis, to post a competitive total. Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal will lead the bowling attack.
Mumbai Indians come into the match buoyed by their victory against Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. Hardik Pandya and his team will be hoping to carry that momentum into this crucial game, despite the weather uncertainties.