KXIP in their bastion Mohali braved the hurrying hurricanes(Hobart Hurricanes) and finally they were at home with five wickets to go.
Chasing 146, Kings lost Shehwag on the very first ball of their inning to Bollinger and the stadium dropped dead. Bollinger added the misery by strucking again in the third over. Even David Miller failed for kings.
Now the Man of the T20 arrived the crease, he was none other than Glen Maxwell known for bludgeoning the bowlers to hilt. Fifth over started, Bollinger with all the experience at his disposal denied him runs on the first two balls. Maxwell still unbaffled glared in all directions before taking the next ball. This time Maxi went on the frontfoot, hammered the ball to the long off fence for a six. The stadium came to life. Despite the top order slump (23 for three in four overs), he took KingXI to 77. By the time he was caught behind by Hobarts’ skipper Tim Paine on a short pitch delivery of Gulbis, while trying to crossbat for a biggie, he had done his bit (43 runs 4, 4s and 2, 6s). He had paved the way for Punjab to home for an easy victory.
Another man Perera deserves accolades as he started steadily but latter tore into bowling and shared a 50 run stand with skipper George Bailey. Bailey scored the winning shot for his team.
Earlier KXIP won the toss and decided to field first. Hurricane could not get a decent start as they lost thier first wicket on 15. Akshar patel, left hand spinner tested the opposition with faster ones. In the end he was impressive with his bowling figure with good economy of 5( one for 20 in four overs).
Punjab played without the speedester Mitchell Johnson and this would have gladdened the heart of opposition but still they could not post a big target. Nevertheless If Kings XI wishes to get their CL20 campaign up and running, it needs to improve the death over bowling.
Full Score Card CLICK HERE (courtsey cricinfo)
STRAIGHT DRIVE 