The start of the Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru game in Guwahati on Friday was delayed after the rains interrupted before and after the toss. The covers were on before the toss, but after the rain stopped, the toss was conducted at 8 pm IST.
RR skipper Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to field and seconds after RCB captain Rajat Patidar came in to speak at the toss, the rain returned, delaying the already-deferred 8:15 pm start.
A drizzle returned, forcing the covers back on and delaying the start further. It remained only a slight shower, though, with hopes still high for a full game.
The Barsapara Stadium had earlier hosted a rain-hit clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians, where a delayed start saw the game reduced
to 11 overs per team.
“A result can be achieved only if both teams have had the opportunity of batting for at least 5 overs, unless one team has been all out in less than 5 overs or unless the team batting second scores enough runs to win in less than 5 overs,” the IPL playing conditions say.
“All matches in which both teams haven’t had an opportunity of batting for a minimum of 5 overs, shall be declared a No Result,” the conditions add.
But 10 minutes into the rain interruption, groundsmen began removing the covers from the centre.
Apart from Rajasthan Royals’ rain-affected victory over the Mumbai Indians in Guwahati, inclement weather also played a part during Kolkata Knight Riders’ clash against Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens.
Fewer than four overs were possible before rain had the final say, forcing the sides to share points. Rain was also in the forecast for the clash between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The weather in Guwahati becomes mostly clear by 11 pm IST, although around 37% chance of rain remains before that.
