The 12th match of IPL 2026 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) has been called off due to persistent rain and a wet outfield. As a result, the match had no result, and both teams shared one point each. After being asked to bat first, KKR lost two early wickets. Xavier Bartlett (2/9 in 1.4 overs) gave early blows to KKR before rain stopped play.
Early Trouble for KKR Before Rain Stops Play
KKR came into the match under pressure after losing their first two games. Their struggles continued as Punjab’s bowlers made an early impact. When rain interrupted the match, KKR were in a difficult position at 25 for 2 in just 3.4 overs, dealing with the swing bowling of Xavier Bartlett.
What began as a light drizzle quickly turned into heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. The ground staff covered the entire field, and players left the ground at 7.48 pm IST. Fans waited patiently in the stadium, hoping for play to resume, but by 11 pm, officials decided to call off the match.
PBKS Move to the Top of the Table
With the match ending without a result, both teams shared points. PBKS moved to the top of the standings with five points, becoming the only team at that mark. Meanwhile, three other teams are close behind with four points each.
Brief Hope of Restart Ends Quickly
The rain stopped around 10.30 pm, raising hopes of a shortened contest. The covers began to come off, but large amounts of water had collected near the boundary areas. Due to these wet conditions, it was not possible to prepare the field in time, even for a reduced five-overs-per-side game.
KKR’s Batting Issues Continue
KKR’s batting problems remained evident, especially after captain Ajinkya Rahane made the surprising decision to bat first. The team was also missing their key spin duo, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. This was the first time since 2019 that KKR played without either of them.
Narine was unavailable due to illness, while Varun missed out after injuring his left hand during the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was seen sitting in the dugout with his hand strapped.
PBKS Pacers Dominate Early Overs
Punjab’s pace attack set the tone early. Arshdeep Singh started strongly, swinging the ball in both directions in the opening over. Then Xavier Bartlett took charge with sharp outswing deliveries.
Bartlett troubled Finn Allen repeatedly, beating him three times before finally getting him out for 6 with an outside edge. On the very next ball, Cameron Green edged one that raced to the boundary. Shortly after, Bartlett struck again, finding another edge from Green to dismiss him as well.
In the space of just three deliveries, KKR collapsed from 12 without loss to 16 for 2, leaving Rahane watching from the other end. Light rain had already started during this phase, and soon after, the umpires asked for covers in the fourth over.
Despite the disappointing evening, KKR fans had a brief moment of excitement. The crowd cheered loudly when franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan appeared on the big screen. He later came out onto the balcony and waved to the fans, lifting spirits in an otherwise frustrating match. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) finally opened their account in IPL 2026, but they are still searching for their first win after their home match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) was abandoned due to rain on Monday night. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!