Rain had the last word in Kolkata as the IPL 2025 season witnessed its first washout at Eden Gardens. Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings were forced to share the points after rain halted play following the first over of the second innings and showed no signs of easing.
Earlier, Punjab Kings had posted a strong total of 201 for 4 in their 20 overs, powered by impressive fifties from Prabhsimran Singh (83) and Priyansh Arya (69).
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Arya and Prabhsimran Break New Ground in PowerPlay
Priyansh Arya gave Punjab Kings a stylish launch, striking two elegant cover drives off Vaibhav Arora to kickstart the innings. Facing two aggressive batters, the returning Chetan Sakariya managed to tighten the scoring with disciplined lines and some early swing.
However, Arya remained composed, dispatching two overpitched deliveries from Arora to the boundary. Prabhsimran Singh then counter-attacked, greeting Harshit Rana with a four and a six behind the wicket, helping the duo raise a 50-run stand. Varun Chakaravarthy, introduced later, beat Prabhsimran’s bat a couple of times but ended his over economically with just two runs. For the first time this season, both Arya and Prabhsimran successfully batted through the PowerPlay.
Opening Duo Forces Rare Off-Days for Narine and Chakaravarthy
Sunil Narine started sharply, inducing a few swings and misses from Priyansh Arya after Varun Chakaravarthy had delivered a tidy over. However, Arya remained composed, slog-sweeping Chakaravarthy for a six to keep Punjab Kings’ scoring rate close to nine an over. Kolkata Knight Riders kept the pressure on, even manufacturing a half-chance when Arya mistimed a shot that fell short of deep mid-wicket. After four tight overs from the spinners that yielded just 20 runs, KKR’s decision to reintroduce Harshit Rana backfired. Arya capitalized, lofting him over covers and slicing him for a six over backward point, before adding a boundary down fine leg to complete a momentum-shifting over.
Prabhsimran Singh then unleashed an assault, smashing three sixes off Narine in a 22-run over — the joint second-most Narine has ever conceded in a single over. Andre Russell finally broke the partnership, dismissing Arya with a pull straight to deep mid-wicket. Meanwhile, Prabhsimran, after a scratchy start across his first 30 deliveries, broke loose with a series of boundaries and a six. He further punished Chakaravarthy with a 19-run over before finally perishing at long-off.
Disciplined Death Bowling Helps KKR Regain Control
Kolkata Knight Riders managed to pull back the scoring during the early part of the death overs, with their spinners delivering two tight overs that yielded just 13 runs. Andre Russell then found his rhythm, landing his yorkers accurately and even inducing a chance when PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer clipped a low full-toss to Vaibhav Arora — only for the fielder to put it down. The miss proved costly as Shreyas sent the final ball of the 18th over soaring into the stands.
Arora made amends by dismissing Marco Jansen soon after, keeping Punjab’s innings in check. Josh Inglis and Shreyas managed a few boundaries to push the score into the 190s, but Russell, with excellent tailing yorkers, restricted the visitors effectively. As a result, KKR gave away just 40 runs in the final five overs, limiting Punjab Kings to 201 and setting a target of 202.
Rain Forces Early Stalemate After Brief Second Innings
Marco Jansen bowled the lone over of the second innings, with Sunil Narine dispatching him to the boundary with a powerful pull towards square leg.
However, rain soon swept in after the over and showed no signs of easing, ultimately bringing the match to a premature end.
What’s Next for Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings?
Kolkata Knight Riders will head to Delhi to face the second-placed Delhi Capitals on April 29 (Tuesday), while Punjab Kings will travel south to take on bottom-placed Chennai Super Kings the following day.
Read More: IPL 2025: DC vs RCB – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE
FAQs
Why was the match between KKR and Punjab Kings washed out?
The match was interrupted by rain after the first over of the second innings, leading to a washout. Both teams shared the points.
Who were the standout performers for Punjab Kings in the first innings?
Prabhsimran Singh (83) and Priyansh Arya (69) were the key contributors, helping PBKS post 201/4 in their 20 overs.
How did KKR respond to the strong start by Punjab Kings?
KKR’s spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy, bowled tight overs, and Andre Russell’s disciplined death bowling limited PBKS to just 40 runs in the final five overs.
What impact did rain have on the second innings?
Marco Jansen bowled the only over of the second innings before rain interrupted, leading to the match being called off due to persistent weather conditions.
What are the upcoming fixtures for KKR and Punjab Kings?
KKR will face Delhi Capitals in Delhi on April 29, while Punjab Kings will take on Chennai Super Kings in Chennai the following day.
