Rain ends Kolkata–Punjab match early

Kolkata Knight Riders earned their first point of the season in frustrating fashion after their home fixture against Punjab Kings was abandoned due to relentless rain. The contest lasted just 22 deliveries, with Kolkata struggling at 25‑2 in 3.4 overs when the downpour forced players off the field.

Play stopped at 7:48 pm local time, and although the rain eased well before the 11:14 pm cut‑off, the outfield could not be restored in time to stage even a five‑over shootout. The no‑result returned unbeaten Punjab to the top of the table with five points from three matches, while Kolkata finally opened their account despite missing spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine.

Ajinkya Rahane’s decision to bat first quickly unraveled as Finn Allen and Cameron Green were both caught behind off Xavier Bartlett in the same over. Minutes later, the weather settled the outcome, forcing both teams to share the points.