Kolkata and Punjab share spoils in rain-marred clash; Mumbai take on Lucknow in clash of playoff hopefuls

An electrifying opening partnership and a towering total from Punjab Kings were washed away by a sudden and fierce thunderstorm as their clash with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 was abandoned without a result at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday night.

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In a rare move at Eden this season, Punjab Kings chose to bat first after winning the toss, and how well they made that decision count. Powered by a stunning 120-run opening stand between youngster Priyansh Arya and the explosive Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS piledupa formidable 201/4 on a pitch described by both camps as “very dry” and “extremely slow”.

But just as the action was set to resume for the chase, a sudden downpour, accompanied by strong winds and flying debris, forced players off the field after just one over of the second innings.

Despite the best efforts of the ground staff battling the stormy conditions, the rain proved relentless. After a delay that extended past the one-hour mark — the official cutoff time before overs would start getting deducted — the match was eventually called off.

As a result, both teams had to settle for one point apiece, a result that left Punjab Kings visibly frustrated after setting up the contest so well.