The No. 4 batsman produced some lusty hits and was involved in a crucial 80-run stand with Manoj Tiwary (33) that helped Kolkata score a challenging 169-4 on a sporting Rajiv Gandhi Stadium pitch.

The home side's reply ended at 149-6, with opener Shikhar Dhawan top-scoring with 54.

The win took Kolkata to joint first position with 12 points from nine games.

Mumbai Indians also has 12 points but in only eight games.

The Kumar Sangakkara-led Deccan Chargers remained in seventh place with six points from nine games.