Heavy rain in Kolkata threatens IPL 7 Qualifier between KXIP and KKR
Heavy rainfall since Sunday in Kolkata has put doubts over the first IPL qualifier on Tuesday at Eden Gardens. Hosts Kolkata Knight Riders are scheduled to face Kings XI Punjab in the first qualifier tomorrow, after the two teams finished at the top of the table.
However, on Monday, both teams had to skip their practice sessions on the eve of the match, as the ground was under covers due to continuous rainfall. PTI has reported that it’s the result of a low pressure formation over the Bay of Bengal.
The Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days, increasing the fears of a washout. A minimum of 5 overs are required to complete a T20 game, but in case it’s not possible, there is a reserve day for Qualifier 1 on May 28. But in case rain doesn’t relent for two days, there is a huge possibility of the game never taking place at all.
In that scenario, Kings XI Punjab hold the advantage, having finished the league stage at the top of the order, with KKR 4 points behind the table toppers.
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | Net RR |
| Kings XI Punjab | 14 | 11 | 3 | 22 | +0.968 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 14 | 9 | 5 | 18 | +0.418 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 14 | 9 | 5 | 18 | +0.385 |
| Mumbai Indians | 14 | 7 | 7 | 14 | +0.095 |
IPL 7’s playing conditions offer the following rule (21.10(a)) for such a scenario in play-off:
“If conditions do not permit a Super Over within the time available to determine the winner or if the Super Over is tied, then the team which, at the end of the relevant regular Season, finished in the higher position in the League table will be deemed the winner of the relevant play-off match.”
SRK also tweeted this
Match postponed to tomorrow. Was all set to take off…good will finish some studies at home. World War lasted too long…uff!!!
— SHAH RUKH KHAN (@iamsrk) May 27, 2014
A short video of Eden Gardens was posted by a user recently: