New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders finally opened their IPL 2026 account, earning their first point after their encounter against Punjab Kings was abandoned after just 22 deliveries at Eden Gardens on Monday.
Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR shared a point each with Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings after incessant rain and a wet pitch led to the match being called off.With this result, Punjab Kings have moved to the top of the points table for IPL 2026. The team now sits at the top spot with five points from three matches, having registered two wins and no result so far this season.
For KKR, the game given away at least helped them get off the mark after a difficult start to the season.Earlier, the home team’s skipper Rahane won the toss and chose to bat, but his decision backfired early. Australian Xavier Bartlett scored the second, beating openers Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4) in quick succession to leave KKR reeling on 16 goals.Rahane (8 not out) and young wicketkeeper-batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7 not out) were trying to steady the innings when rain halted play at 25 for two after just 3.4 overs.
With conditions not improving and the field remaining wet, the officials eventually abandoned the game.Punjab Kings will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11, while KKR are scheduled to take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.