NEW DELHI: All eyes will be on the Ahmedabad weather forecast as the much-anticipated IPL 2024 Qualifier 1 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium is scheduled for Tuesday.
The venue saw the Gujarat Titans' last home game washed out due to rain on May 13, which not only knocked GT out of the playoffs race but also confirmed KKR's top spot with 20 points from 14 matches.
Historically, KKR have won the title in the IPL in both 2012 and 2014 when they finished in the top two, giving them a psychological edge.
Weather Predictions and Implications
According to AccuWeather, there is no forecasted rain for Tuesday’s match, although dew is expected to impact the second innings due to high humidity. The temperature is anticipated to range between 31 and 37 degrees Celsius, suggesting conditions may favor a high-scoring game.
However, with three of the last eight IPL matches being abandoned due to rain, both teams will be wary of a washout.
If the match is rained out, KKR will automatically advance to the final due to their higher points tally in the league stage, as per IPL rules.
IPL 2024 Match Playing Conditions
As per IPL Rule 13.7.3, it allows for an extra 120 minutes to complete a match if delayed or interrupted, which is double the usual allowance. If the weather doesn’t permit play to resume within this extended time frame, the higher-ranked team, in this case, KKR, will progress directly to the final.
KKR's Recent Form
KKR have not played a match in the last 10 days due to back-to-back washouts, including their last league game against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Despite this, they remain confident, buoyed by the return of mentor Gautam Gambhir and the consistent performance of their bowlers.
Former Pakistan captain and ex-KKR coach Wasim Akram has lauded KKR’s bowling unit, highlighting the collective effort that has seen Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Mitchell Starc perform consistently. “The teams that will take wickets will win the matches,” Akram told Sportskeeda, emphasizing the importance of their disciplined bowling attack.
SRH's Challenges and Expectations
SRH, led by Pat Cummins, enter the contest with winning momentum after a decisive victory over Punjab Kings in their last home game. However, they face a big challenge in the form of table-toppers KKR.
KKR, despite the absence of key player Phil Salt, who has returned for national duties, remain a formidable opponent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to step in as Salt's replacement.
