Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings were forced to share points after their IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens was washed out due to persistent rain. As forecast, showers arrived at 7:47 PM local time and, despite brief lulls that raised hopes of play, didn’t relent in time for even a five-over game to take place. Match officials eventually called off the contest at 11 PM after a prolonged wait.
The result handed KKR their first points of the season following back-to-back defeats, while Punjab Kings were denied the chance to extend their perfect start after two wins.
In a surprising call under overcast skies, captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bat first after KKR fielded a squad without either Sunil Narine (illness) and Varun Chakaravarthy (injury) for the first time since 2020. The decision quickly backfired as KKR slumped to 16 for 2 inside two overs, with Xavier Bartlett exploiting helpful swing to remove Finn Allen and Cameron Green in the space of 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).
