Rain delays IPL match between KKR and DD

A mild thunderstorm coupled with heavy showers delayed the start of the Indian Premier League match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

The sudden showers, accompanied by lighting, that began around the scheduled toss time of 7.30 pm, lasted about 15 minutes as the ground remained fully covered.

After a brief let-up, rain again started to pour down heavily, thereby putting a question mark on the match.

It was a sultry afternoon but the weather changed with sudden thunderstorms, similar to that of Wednesday's squall that had caught the city unawares with 96kmph wind.

The weathermen blamed it on a cyclonic circulation over central Uttar Pradesh, with a low-pressure trough extending up to north Orissa, triggering the storm and rain.

"One can expect more thundershowers with an occasional squall towards late afternoon or evening till the weekend," said a IMD official.

Earlier, the crowd turned up in large numbers in the 66,000 capacity stadium to cheer the home team in their IPL season five opener.

The Knight Riders earlier organised a 30-minute opening ceremony giving it a local touch with traditional Chhau dance, Dhakis and a performance by a local band.

Six performers in KKR colours made an entry into the stadium in six Gerbil balls as they danced inside the giant transparent balloons to the tune of 'Korbo Lorbo Jitbo Re'.

Electrifying chhau dancers had put up a performance of Goddess Durga vanquishing the demon which was followed by performances from traditional drummers (dhakis).

Saree-clad cheergirls then danced to the tunes of Rabindra Sangeet to mark the last part of the brief opening ceremony.

There was, however, heartbreak in store for the 40,000-odd spectators as thunderstorm coupled with rains suddenly lashed the city.