Tezzbuzz Desk – Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) 2026 has now reached its decisive phase, but this time the impact of rain is being seen more than cricket in the tournament. Qualifier 1 and Eliminator matches could not be completed due to continuous rain. Despite this, the results of both the matches were declared as per the rules of the tournament and now a team for the final has been decided. The second finalist will be decided by Qualifier 2.
The final of TNPL 2026 is to be played on August 28. However, which two teams will face each other in the final is yet to be decided. Rain has completely changed the equation of playoff matches. In such a situation, now the eyes of cricket fans are on Qualifier 2 to be held on 26th August.
Madurai Panthers and Trichy Grand Choulas faced each other in Qualifier 1 on 23 August. The match started, but rain stopped the match after just 4.5 overs of play. After this, despite efforts to restart the game, the conditions were not favorable and the match had to be cancelled. Since Madurai Panthers were on top of the points table after the group stage, they got a direct benefit of the cancellation of Qualifier 1 and the team got a place in the final without winning a match. Trichy Grand Cholas got a chance to play in Qualifier 2. That means the team now has another way to reach the finals. Win or loss in Qualifier 1 could not be decided, but Madurai Panthers got a big advantage due to their better position in the points table.
After this, the eliminator match was to be played on 24th August. In this, Kowal Kings and Tiruppur Tamizhans were face to face. But rain affected this match also. Only 3 overs could be played in the match and after this the match could not be continued due to continuous rain. As a result, the eliminator also had to be cancelled. The benefit of this went to Kowal Kings, who were ranked third in the points table. The team got a place in Qualifier 2, while fourth-placed Tiruppur Tamizhans' TNPL 2026 journey ended. Thus, rain caused direct losses to two teams, while teams with better league stage performances benefited.
Now on August 26, Trichy Grand Cholas and Kowal Kings will face each other in Qualifier 2. The team that wins this match will face Madurai Panthers in the final to be held on 28th August. That means Madurai Panthers have already reached the finals and now the second finalist is awaited. The biggest question is whether rain will play its part in Qualifier 2 as well? The weather is expected to remain relatively clear in Chennai on August 26. In such a situation, it is expected that this time the competition will be completed and the teams will get a chance to get the ticket for the final on the basis of their performance on the field. If Qualifier 2 also gets washed out due to rain, then the team with a better position in the points table can get the advantage. At present, the fans are hoping that now the weather does not become a hindrance in the way of cricket and both the teams come on the field with their full strength in the final of TNPL 2026.