CLT20: Kolkata edge past Auckland by 2 runs

It went down to the wire before Kolkata Knight Riders prevailed over the Auckland Aces by 2 runs in their T20 Champions League qualifier. Kolkata were aided by the good show of their slow bowlers. Auckland's slide started with dangerman Lou Vincent's dismissal, sent back after being run out. Yusuf Pathan then picked up two wickets in three balls. (AP Photo)

Vincent had put Auckland on course as he amassed 40 runs off 37 balls following Martin Guptill's return to the pavilion after being run out off the first ball. (AP Photo)

Earlier, Kolkata got restricted to 121 after Auckland pegged back the IPL side in the latter half of the innings following their flying start in the first 10 overs. (AFP Photo)

Pathan, sent in at No.3 to cash in on the fast start, failed to light up the stadium and departed for 12 off 17 balls. (AP Photo)

Auckland's Michael Bates (2nd R) put the brakes on Kolkata as he not only conceded very few runs but also got Manvinder Bisla out. (AFP Photo)

Bisla put on a 73-run opening partnership with captain Jacques Kallis in 9.3 overs, giving Kolkata a perfect start. (AFP Photo)

Kallis, with 33 off 35, lent Bisla able support at the top. (AFP Photo)

Bisla (45 off 32 balls) ensured that Kolkata were put in a strong position early in the game, even though other batsmen failed to take advantage of the platform. (AFP Photo)