India, May 21 -- Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Mumbai Indians by four wickets in a rain-interrupted IPL match to keep their playoff hopes alive here on Wednesday.

Sent in to bat, MI, who are already eliminated from playoff race, struggled their way to a modest 147 for 8.

Earlier in the game, KKR bowling unit exploited the sluggish conditions to perfection as it choked Mumbai Indians to a modest 147 for eight, in their must-win IPL clash, here on Wednesday.

Opting to bowl under overcast skies on a tacky Eden Gardens pitch that had remained under covers, KKR reduced MI to 41/4 inside the powerplay with Cameron Green (2/23 in three overs) and left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey (2/34) sharing two wickets apiece up front.

Green was exceptional ...