Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders finally opened their account in IPL 2026, picking up their first point after their clash against Punjab Kings was abandoned following just 22 deliveries at Eden Gardens on Monday. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR shared a point apiece with Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings after incessant rain and a wet outfield forced the match to be called off.With this result, Punjab Kings climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 points table. They now sit at No. 1 with five points from three matches, having registered two wins and one no result so far this season.For KKR, the abandoned game at least helped them get off the mark after a tough start to the campaign.Earlier, the home side skipper Rahane won the toss and opted to bat, but his decision backfired early. Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett struck in the second over, removing opener Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4) in quick succession to leave KKR reeling at 16 for two.Rahane (8 not out) and young wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7 not out) were trying to steady the innings when rain interrupted play at 25 for two after just 3.4 overs.With conditions not improving and the outfield remaining wet, the umpires eventually called off the match.Punjab Kings will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11, while KKR are set to take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.
