The 44th match of the TATA Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) ended in disappointment for fans, as rain forced the game to be called off midway. The match, held on April 26 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, saw both teams sharing one point each after an abrupt halt due to persistent rain.
As per tradition, IPL 2025 features a total of 74 matches, and this clash was among the most anticipated. Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer this season, came into the game looking to boost their playoff chances, while Ajinkya Rahane’s Kolkata Knight Riders aimed to capitalize on home advantage.
After winning the toss, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bat first, a decision that initially looked brilliant. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya launched a brutal assault on the KKR bowlers, stitching together a formidable 120-run opening partnership.
Prabhsimran Singh was the star of the show, hammering 83 runs off just 49 deliveries, including six boundaries and six towering sixes. Priyansh Arya supported him well, scoring a composed yet aggressive 69 runs. Together, the duo set the tone for a massive total. Contributions from skipper Shreyas Iyer, who remained unbeaten on 25 runs, and a few handy runs from the middle order powered Punjab Kings to an imposing 201 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.
In the bowling department for Kolkata, Vaibhav Arora impressed by picking up two wickets, while Andre Russell and Varun Chakaravarthy claimed one wicket each, providing crucial breakthroughs at vital moments.
Chasing a steep target of 202 runs, Kolkata Knight Riders had a cautious start. They reached 7/0 at the end of the first over, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz unbeaten on 1 and Sunil Narine not out on 4. However, as anticipation was building up for an exciting chase, rain intervened. Despite best efforts by the ground staff, the showers refused to relent, and after a lengthy delay, the match officials had no choice but to call off the game.
With this result, both KKR and PBKS added one point each to their tally — a scenario neither team would have preferred at such a crucial stage of the tournament.
First Innings Summary:
- Punjab Kings: 201/4 in 20 overs
- Prabhsimran Singh: 83 runs (49 balls)
- Priyansh Arya: 69 runs
- Shreyas Iyer: 25* runs
- KKR Bowling:
- Vaibhav Arora: 2 wickets
- Andre Russell: 1 wicket
- Varun Chakaravarthy: 1 wicket
Second Innings Summary:
- Kolkata Knight Riders: 7/0 in 1 over
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 1* run
- Sunil Narine: 4* runs
As the league stage inches closer to its climax, every point matters. With rain disrupting play today, both Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, hoping to strengthen their bids for the playoffs.
