IPL 2026 | KKR vs PBKS Match Abandoned Due to Rain After Early Wickets Rock Kolkata

Rain halts play at Eden Gardens as KKR slump to 25/2 before the match is abandoned, with both teams sharing a point.

The Indian Premier League 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens was called off due to persistent rain, denying fans a full contest on Monday. After multiple inspections and delays, officials eventually abandoned the game, with both sides taking a point each.

Earlier in the evening, Kolkata had opted to bat first under overcast conditions, but their decision quickly backfired. The hosts got off to a brisk start, scoring 12 runs in the opening over. However, things went downhill soon after as Xavier Bartlett produced a fiery spell with the new ball.

Bartlett struck twice in a single over to put KKR under pressure. Finn Allen was the first to fall, edging a delivery behind after being repeatedly beaten by swing. Shortly after, Cameron Green also departed in similar fashion, nicking one to the keeper. Within no time, Kolkata were reduced to 16/2.

ALSO READ | IPL 2026 | SRH Dominate KKR At Eden Gardens After Travis Head-Abhishek Sharma Show

At the time of interruption, KKR were struggling at 25/2 in 3.4 overs, with Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi at the crease. The conditions heavily favoured seam bowling, with swing and moisture making life difficult for the batters.

Rain first interrupted play midway through the fourth over and never truly relented. Despite brief pauses and attempts by the ground staff to clear the outfield, water accumulation near the boundary ropes made conditions unsafe for play. Officials, including match referees and ground staff, conducted multiple inspections, but the damp outfield proved too risky.

As the cut-off time for a five-over game approached, hopes of a restart faded. Eventually, both captains shook hands, confirming the abandonment. With this result, KKR move slightly up the points table despite still searching for their first win, while Punjab will feel they missed an opportunity after their bowlers dominated early proceedings.