Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Kolkata Knight Riders secured their first point of the 2026 Indian Premier League season after their home match against the Punjab Kings was abandoned due to rain at Eden Gardens on Monday. The contest ended as a no-result after just 22 deliveries, following a series of early wickets that threatened to put Kolkata on the back foot.
Kolkata had lost their opening two matches to Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad and were struggling at 25-2 after 3.4 overs when rain forced a halt at 7:48pm local time. Despite the weather easing 40 minutes before the 11:14pm cut-off, there was insufficient time to prepare the pitch for a reduced five-over contest.
Early Wickets Put Kolkata on Edge
Captain Ajinkya Rahane chose to bat first, but his side faced immediate pressure. Opening partner Finn Allen of New Zealand and Australian Cameron Green were both caught behind off the bowling of Australian swing specialist Xavier Bartlett in the second over, leaving Kolkata reeling. The early dismissals underscored Kolkata’s struggles in the absence of their lead spinners Varun Chakravarthy, who is injured, and Sunil Narine, sidelined due to illness.
Punjab Kings maintained their unbeaten start to the season, reclaiming the top position on the IPL points table with five points from three matches. The no-result allowed Kolkata to open their account in the league, offering some respite after consecutive defeats and a disrupted bowling attack.
With the tournament still in its early stages, Kolkata will look to regain momentum in their next fixture, while Punjab aims to extend their unbeaten run and solidify their position at the top of the standings.
