Kolkata Knight Riders crash out of Champions League

Kolkata Knight Riders became the first team to be knocked out of the ongoing Champions League, as their third game against the Perth Scorchers was abandoned due to rain. The Knight Riders, who suffered crushing defeats in their previous matches, needed a win to remain in the contest for the semi-final, but saw the rain spoil their party.

After the first match completed, the skies had gone overcast, and a cool gentle breeze started to blow along the ground. Gautaum Gambhir therefore elected to bowl first on a flat surface. Brett Lee was getting the swing as his first ball nipped back to Shaun Marsh, resulting in an LBW appeal. Brett Lee struck in his first over, as he got rid of the dangerous Gibbs for naught. Yusuf Pathan, who opened the bowling, used the turn and bounce available on the surface as he bowled a tight spell of 4-0-29-0. Four tight overs of spin added pressure on the Perth Scorchers.

Subsequently, Shaun Marsh, in his usual manner, took the aerial route as he struck Kallis for consecutive boundaries in the fifth over which in fact upped the ante for Perth. But Balaji came back to bowl three tight overs, which slowed down the scoring rate for the batting team.

Shaun Marsh, who looked in tremendous touch, was trapped in front by Kallis for a splendid 38. Later, Mitchell Marsh and Katich started consolidating the innings for Perth. Sunil Narine, who bowled his first over really well, came back to bowl in the 14th over and conceded just four runs. The rain stopped the proceedings soon afterwards, and the play was called off eventually due to heavy rain.

With this washout, KKR has been sent crashing out of the Champions League rather disappointingly. They stuck to their plan of getting wickets and keeping things tight, but unfortunately saw the rain play a decisive role.

KKR play their last match against group toppers Titans at Cape Town on October 21. They will be playing for pride, and will be hoping to end the tournament on a winning note.