Mumbai: Mumbai Indians’ Trent Boult with teammates celebrates the wicket of GT’s Sherfane Rutherford during the IPL 2025 cricket match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

A critical IPL match between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai faces a rain threat, with forecasts of heavy thunderstorms. This match is crucial as both teams are vying for the final playoff spot.Mumbai has received heavy rainfall on the eve of the match. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a forecast and warning for Mumbai and surrounding areas, stating, “Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds (50-60 kmph) at isolated places.”In case of a washout, the teams will share one point each.What happens if it gets washed out?MI’s chances: MI would have a strong advantage. They would need to win their final league game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) to directly qualify with 17 points, regardless of other results. Even if MI loses to PBKS, they could still qualify if Delhi also loses to PBKS, leaving MI at 15 points and DC at 14 points.

DC’s chances: If the match is washed out, DC’s qualification hopes would become more challenging. If the MI vs DC match is washed out, DC would be reliant on other results going their way, particularly MI losing their final game. Delhi would need to beat Punjab Kings in their final game and hope that Mumbai loses to Punjab Kings in their final game. This scenario would see DC reach 16 points and MI remain at 15, allowing DC to sneak into the top four.Who’s that IPL player?Is a 5-over-a-side game possible?The BCCI has extended the reserve time for league matches from one hour to two hours to allow for rain-affected games to be completed. This means a five-over-a-side game could potentially start as late as 11:56 PM IST. However, the Wankhede Stadium’s drainage system might pose a challenge.