Perth Scorchers remain alive in the Champions League after their qualifying match against Indian Premier leaguie powerhouse Kolkata was washed out at Kingsmead.

Both teams earned their first points of the tournament after receiving two apiece when a violent storm ended the contest with Perth 2-91 after 14 overs.

Shaun Marsh was dismissed for 38 off 40 balls while Simon Katich showed excellent touch in reaching an unbeaten 43 off 32.

Perth must beat Delhi and Auckland in their two remaining matches to have any prospect of reaching the semifinals next week.

Marsh was more positive with his footwork than he had been all season and was rewarded with an extended stay in the middle.

Marsh had set himself to bat through the innings, explaining before the match that it was his job to build a foundation for the team.

“It is my job to build an innings and provide a path for the hitters to finish off,” he said.

“If I can be there at the end of the innings I know the team will be in a pretty good position.”

The left-hander lost his opening partner in the first over of the match when Herschelle Gibbs produced a soft poke at Brett Lee that lobbed to cover.

Marsh and Katich then teamed for a 70-run stand in 10 overs that got Perth into a competitive position despite their run rate never climbing above seven an over.

Marsh’s timing started to elude him but he was desperately unlucky to be given out lbw to Jacques Kallis when the veteran was recalled in the 11th over.

Kallis had Katich dropped with his first delivery.

The Knight Riders lost their first two matches but played with much greater spirit and energy as paceman Brett Lee and spinner Sunil Narine led the way.