Qatar T10 League 2019: Swift Gallopers and Falcon Hunters qualify for the final after rain plays spoilsport in semi-finals

The 2019 Qatar T10 League has been hit by weather at the crucial juncture of the tournament as both the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday were abandoned without a toss. This was the 2nd time the rain has affected the tournament as both games to be played on Tuesday in the league phase were called off. The 1st semi-final between Falcon Hunters and Desert Riders was due to start at 6:30 PM local time while Swift Gladiators and Flying Oryx was scheduled for 9 PM start.

With the rain intervening, Swift Gallopers and Falcon Hunters make it to the final as per the pre-tournament rules. The local law suggested the teams finishing in the top two positions in the league phase will clash in the final if rain does not allow both the semi-finals. Gallopers and Hunters finished No.1 and No.2 having won four of the five matches in the tournament. The only match that Falcon lost was against Gallopers whose lone defeat came against Desert Riders who finished 3rd in the points table.

The Desert Riders won three matches in the league stage. They lost only to Falcon Hunters while their match against Pearl Gladiators ended in a washout. Flying Oryx edged into top four despite winning only one of the five matches. They were tied on three points with Pearl Gladiators who had better NRR than Oryx. However, the Flying Oryx team had gained an edge over the Gladiators over the head to head record.

Final set to be played at 7 PM local time on Monday

Oryx defeated Gladiators in the tournament opener by 9 wickets. Flying Oryx will take on Riders in the 3rd place-playoff game on Monday which will start at 4 PM local time. The final between the Gallopers and Hunters will start at 7:00 PM local time.

The forecast for Monday is much better even as cloudy conditions are forecasted for the evening. There will be scattered thunderstorms until 12 PM local time but the weather is expected to improve and settle down in time for last two matches of the tournament.

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