Rain has put a dampener on Perth Scorchers prospects of making the Champions Trophy T20 cricket semi-finals, with their match against India’s Kolkata Knight Riders in Durban failing to produce a result.

The Scorchers were 2-91 after 14 overs when the players were forced from the field on Thursday (AEDT).

Drizzle persisted and thunder and lightning surrounded the ground.

The result meant Kolkata (2 points), who lost their first two games to India’s Delhi Daredevils (4) and New Zealand’s Auckland Aces (4), are the first team eliminated from the tournament irrespective of what happens in their final fixture.

Perth (2) will probably have to win both of their last two group games against Delhi in Cape Town on Monday (AEDT) and against Auckland in Centurion on Wednesday (AEDT) to have a chance of making the last four.

South Africa’s Titans (8) lead the group after following up their 39-run win over Perth with a 59-run victory over Auckland in the first half of the double-header in Durban.

Perth lost South African-born opener Herschelle Gibbs (0 off 2) to the fifth ball of the innings, when he struck a delivery from Australian paceman Brett Lee (1-11 off 2) straight to cover.

Left-handers Simon Katich (43 not out off 32) and Shaun Marsh (38 off 39) added 70 off 59 balls.

Veteran Katich batted with authority, striking four boundaries and placing the ball well.

Marsh hit three fours and the only six of the innings, but finished with a strike rate below 100 when he was adjudged lbw to a full delivery from Jacques Kallis (1-24 off 3).

Mitchell Marsh (5 not out off 10) had added 18 with Katich when rain halted play.

Sydney Sixers, who have won their first two matches in the other group in the 10-team tournament, can book a semi-final spot with a victory over South Africa’s Highveld Lions in Cape Town on Friday (AEDT).