KKR, Punjab share points after washout

Rain played spoilsport as Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL match against Punjab Kings was called off after the visiting team posted 201/4 here on Saturday. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya slammed stellar half-centuries to lay a solid opening foundation, but KKR pulled things back at the death after PBKS opted to bat.

In reply, KKR were seven for no loss in one over when a sudden thunderstorm struck around 9.35pm, sending debris flying across the ground and even blowing the covers into the stands.

The ground staff quickly covered the pitch, but relentless rain followed, leaving no scope for resumption of play.

After nearly 90 minutes of waiting, with no let-up in the weather, the match was officially called off at 10.58pm. As a result, both the teams shared one point each.

KKR now have seven points from nine matches, while Punjab Kings moved to 11 points from nine games.

Earlier, in-form Arya, who scored a maiden IPL century against Chennai Super Kings, continued his dream debut season with a classy 27-ball fifty. He, along with the seasoned Prabhsimran, gave PBKS a blazing start with a 120-run opening stand in just 11.5 overs.

Arya was the early aggressor, crafting a fluent 69 off 35 balls (8x4s, 4x6s), while Prabhsimran shifted gears after Arya’s dismissal, finishing with a sparkling 83 off 49 deliveries (6x4s, 6x6s).