A rain-affected sixth day of the Abu Dhabi T10 ended in farcical fashion as confusion reigned over the specifics of Deccan Gladiators' shortened chase against Team Abu Dhabi, with players ready on the field but match officials still in discussion off it as the game's cut-off time was reached.

Abu Dhabi T10 rules state that a minimum of five overs must be bowled in both innings to constitute a contest and with Deccan 25 for 1 after 2.2 overs when rain stopped play, they were just 2.4 overs shy of forcing a result. The rain duly cleared with the Abu Dhabi fielders and unbeaten Gladiators pair Mohammad Shahzad (24*) and Anton Devcich (0*) taking to the field only to be left waiting as the umpires and match referee tried to work out the revised playing conditions.

And despite a target of 62 to win from five overs being set - leaving Deccan needing 37 from 16 balls - the 15 minutes that had elapsed with the players in limbo took the game past its 10pm local time cut-off.

A lack of DLS printouts of projected scores was initially said to be behind the error but with a revised total confirmed and the Deccan chase reduced to its minimum five overs, there was no requirement for target forecasts beyond the final revision. It begs the question as to why the playing conditions weren't discussed, at the very least, while the players were off the pitch, rather than waiting till they were back on it, awaiting the resumption. The league's organisers are expected to issue a statement on the matter. It poses more tricky questions for them - they have already faced questions over the format, following two tied matches without a tie-breaker such as a Super Over in place.

The point apiece leaves Deccan top of the pile on seven points, but it will be a particularly tough result for Abu Dhabi to take. A win would have moved them into third at least, level on points with the Gladiators on six, while strengthening their grip on the top-four finish required to remain in the competition. But now, and with one game left to play, the UAE capital's franchise could be out of the competition by the time they take on Karnataka Tuskers in their final outing on Friday.

Earlier in the day, a spate of bad weather across the UAE made its way to the capital at the midway stage of the first game as Maratha Arabians and Karnataka was called off after before the latter could start their pursuit of 130 for victory. The subsequent match had Bangla Tigers edge out reigning champions Northern Warriors by six runs.