Learn about how reserve days in the IPL Final. Find out when they’re used, how they function, and remember notable moments like the rescheduling of the IPL 2023 final to the reserve day.
What is a Reserve Day in the IPL?
Reserve days in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are used to ensure crucial knockout matches get a result when they can’t be completed on their original dates. If weather conditions prevent a match from being held or completed, it is moved to a reserve day, allowing the game to continue from where it was interrupted. Unlike starting the game afresh, the match resumes from the point of stoppage, without any reduction in overs.
For a result to be possible, each team must play at least 20 overs. If this isn’t possible, the match will be played on the reserve day, continuing from the last ball bowled.
ALSO READ: One of the earliest examples of a reserve day in cricket took place in the 1979 World Cup during a match between Sri Lanka and India. In that tournament, Sri Lanka won the ICC Trophy, qualifying for their second World Cup appearance. The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Sri Lanka also used a reserve day. On September 29, the match was interrupted by rain, leading to a new game on September 30. However, rain again disrupted play, and both teams were eventually declared joint winners. In the 2019 World Cup, the semi-final between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford was moved to a reserve day because of rain. New Zealand batted first and scored 239/8. In response, India lost key wickets early, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, all for just one run each. Despite late efforts from Ravindra Jadeja (77) and MS Dhoni (50), India ended at 221, giving New Zealand an 18-run victory. READ MORE: 
The First Reserve Day: 1979 Cricket World Cup
2002 Champions Trophy Final: India and Sri Lanka
2019 World Cup Semi-Final: India vs New Zealand
