Rain Out Sparks PBKS to IPL 2026 Top, KKR Earn First Point
Rain Out Sparks PBKS to IPL 2026 Top, KKR Earn First Point
Rain washes out the KKR vs PBKS clash at Eden Gardens, sending Punjab Kings to the IPL 2026 top while Kolkata Knight Riders earn their first point.
Kolkata’s Eden Gardens hosted a rain-soaked start to IPL 2026 as Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings saw their clash abandoned after just 22 deliveries. Punjab Kings now lead the points table with five points from three games, while KKR pick up their first solitary point of the season.
Rahane won the toss and elected to bat for KKR, but his decision backfired early as Australian pace bowler Xavier Bartlett struck in the second over, removing Finn Allen and Cameron Green in quick succession to leave KKR reeling at 16 for two. Rahane, staying unbeaten on 8, and young wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7 not out) were trying to steady the innings when rain intervened. With the outfield wet and no improvement in conditions, the umpires had no choice but to call off the match after 3.4 overs.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, benefited from the interruption as they moved to the top of the IPL 2026 table. The result follows PBKS’s arc this season: two wins and a no result, giving them five points from three games. For KKR, the abandoned game marked a creakier start to their campaign, but the point still represents something to build on as they look ahead.
Looking ahead, Punjab Kings are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11, while Kolkata Knight Riders are scheduled to take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 9. Fans will be hoping for clearer skies and more cricket in the next fixtures, with both teams aiming to consolidate their positions in a crowded table.
