NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders finally opened their account in IPL 2026 and claimed their first point after their clash with Punjab Kings was abandoned after just 22 deliveries at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR shared a point with Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings after incessant rain and a wet pitch forced the match to be called off.With this result, Punjab Kings climbed to the top of the IPL table with 2026 points. They are now number 1 with five points from three games, with two wins and one draw this season.For KKR, the abandoned game at least helped them get off track after a difficult start to the campaign.Earlier, home skipper Rahane won the toss and elected to bat but his decision soon backfired. Australian pacer Xavier Bartlett struck in the second over, removing openers Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4) in quick succession, leaving KKR reeling at 16 for two.Rahane (8 not out) and young wicketkeeper Angkrish Raghuvanshi (7 not out) struggled to steady the innings when rain halted play at 25 for two after just 3.4 overs.As the conditions did not improve and the pitch remained wet, the umpires eventually called off the match.Punjab Kings next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11, while KKR take on Lucknow Super Giants on April 9.
