The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens was abandoned due to persistent rain on Monday, with both teams sharing a point each. The match was officially called off at 10:58 pm IST.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and opted to bat, looking to secure the team’s first points of the season after back-to-back losses. However, Punjab Kings’ pace attack, led by Xavier Bartlett, struck early to put the hosts under pressure.
Kolkata’s innings got off to a shaky start as Cameron Green (4) and Finn Allen (6) were dismissed within the first two overs, leaving the side at 16/2. Rahane (8*) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7*) steadied the innings briefly, taking the score to 25/2 in 3.4 overs before rain interrupted play.
What began as a drizzle soon turned into heavy rain, halting proceedings for a prolonged period. Although conditions improved around 10:30 pm, efforts by the ground staff to prepare the field for a shortened five-over contest were unsuccessful due to excess water on the outfield.
With no further play possible, the match was abandoned, and both captains agreed to share points.
Despite the washout, Punjab Kings climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with five points from three matches. Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, remain eighth with just one point from three games.
KKR will next face Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday as they aim for their first win of the season. Punjab Kings will return home to Mullanpur to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11.
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