NEW DELHI: Rain played spoilsport at Eden Gardens during the Kolkata Knight Riders versus Punjab Kings clash in IPL 2025, forcing players off the field after just one over of KKR’s innings. Kolkata were seven for no loss when the heavens opened up, accompanied by strong winds that made it tough for the groundstaff to manage the covers.
As per match officials, overs would only start reducing if play couldn’t resume by 10:35 PM local time.
Until then, fans and players alike remained hopeful as visuals showed KKR players warming up near the sidelines once the rain eased.
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However, a full ground cover was in place, and the staff, struggling without sufficient weights, sat on the covers to prevent them from blowing away.
Despite the tricky conditions, the night remained young with ample time for a possible restart.
As per IPL playing conditions, The cut-off time for a 5-over contest is 11.44 pm IST.
If the game is reduced to the minimum five overs, KKR will need to chase 61 runs.
Before the interruption, Punjab Kings had posted a strong total of 201/4 thanks to brilliant half-centuries from Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. Arya dazzled with a fluent 69 off 35 balls, while Prabhsimran overcame a slow start to hammer 83 off 49 balls. Their 120-run opening stand set the foundation for a massive score.
However, Kolkata Knight Riders pulled things back in the death overs. Vaibhav Arora (2/34) and Andre Russell (1/27) were key in restricting the damage, with KKR conceding just 40 runs and grabbing two wickets in the final five overs.
Arya and Prabhsimran had made merry on a true batting surface, unlike previous Eden Gardens pitches that tended to slow down. Arya’s elegant strokeplay and Prabhsimran’s late acceleration meant PBKS were initially eyeing 230-plus before KKR’s bowlers fought back.
