IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders get off the mark, thanks to a washout
Rain halted the IPL clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens, marking a second consecutive season washout. Kolkata, despite a shaky start at 25/2, secured a point, while Punjab, who had taken two early wickets, might feel they missed an opportunity. The match was abandoned without a five-over contest possible.
KOLKATA: Lightning struck twice at Eden Gardens on Monday as the IPL clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings was washed out for the second successive season due to heavy showers, leaving both teams to share a point. The hosts wouldn’t mind the abandonment too much as it helped them open their account after back-to-back defeats. Punjab, however, may feel shortchanged after reducing Kolkata to 25/2 in just 3.
4 overs before rain stopped play at 7. 47pm. Though showers relented around 10.
30pm, conditions didn’t allow even a five-over contest. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Punjab pacer Xavier Bartlett made an immediate impact, striking twice in his opening two overs. The Australian removed Finn Allen and Cameron Green with probing outswingers, both edging to wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh, as Kolkata slipped to 16/2 before rain interrupted proceedings. Despite the dodgy forecast, Kolkata skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bat first after winning the toss raised eyebrows.