KKR get off the mark as rain washes out match against PBKS

Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings shared points after their IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens was washed out due to persistent rain. Showers arrived at 7:47 PM local time and, despite brief lulls, didn't relent in time for even a five-over game. Match officials called off the contest at 11 PM after a prolonged wait.

The result gave KKR their first points of the season after back-to-back defeats, while Punjab Kings were denied the chance to extend their perfect start after two wins.

Under overcast skies, captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bat first after KKR fielded a squad without Sunil Narine (illness) and Varun Chakaravarthy (injury) for the first time since 2020. The decision backfired as KKR slumped to 16 for 2 inside two overs, with Xavier Bartlett exploiting swing to remove Finn Allen and Cameron Green in three deliveries.

Play was halted at 25 for 2 after 3.4 overs and never resumed.

Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 25/2 in 3.4 overs (Xavier Bartlett 2-9).