Yusuf sizzles as KKR win practice match

A quick-fire half-century by all-rounder Yusuf Pathan helped Kolkata Knight Riders defeat Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) by five wickets in a practice match ahead of the IPL franchisee's Champions League qualifying engagements.

KKR chased a target of 131 runs in 15.2 overs with Pathan, who hit four sixes and three fours, smashing 53 in 38 balls.

Delhi all-rounder Rajat Bhatia too made a useful contribution, scoring 41 off just 29 balls with the help of six fours.

Among Hyderabad bowlers, C V Milind scalped three wickets, while Sarvajit took two. Earlier, electing to bat first, HCA made 130 for loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Neeraj Bist top-scored for the team with a whirlwind knock of 51 runs in just 30 balls.

For Knight Riders, Pawan Negi claimed three wickets, while L Balaji and Jaidev Unadkat scalped two and one wicket respectively.

The qualifiers of the Champions T20 League will begin on September 19 at the Rajiv Gandhi International cricket stadium here with KKR clashing with Auckland Aces.

KKR will lock horns with Somerset on September 21 in their second and last qualifying match.