CLT20 2014: Kings XI Punjab start campaign with a dominating win over Hobart Hurricanes

Thisara Perara

Mohali, Sep 18 (IANS) Indian Premier League (IPL) finalists Kings XI Punjab started their Champions League T20 campaign with a dominating five-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 145, Kings XI made 146 for five with 14 balls to spare after skipper George Bailey and all-rounder Thisara Perera remained unbeaten on 34 and 35 respectively. But it was the 25-ball 43 by the big hitting Glenn Maxwell that helped Kings XI get back their innings on course after a poor start when they were reduced to 51 for four in eight overs.

Virender Sehwag and David Miller didn't trouble the scorers while Manan Vohra (18) and Wriddhiman Saha (11) managed to get to double figures. It was then a whirlwind knock from Maxwell, who hit four fours and two sixes to get the innings on course and later Bailey and Perera finished it off clinically.

Earlier, a disciplined bowling performance helped Kings XI restrict Hobart Hurricanes to a modest 144 for six in 20 overs. Perera was the pick of the Kings XI pacers picking two for just 17 runs while Parwinder Awana, Akshar Patel and Karanveer Singh got a wicket apiece. Perera was also adjudged as the Man of the Match.

Travis Birt and Jonathan Wells scored 28 each while Ben Dunk (26) and Aiden Blizzard (27) also came up with valuable innings.

Brief scores

Hobart Hurricanes 144/6 in 20 overs Travis Birt 28, Jonathan Wells 28; Thisara Perera 2/17).

Kings XI Punjab 146/5 in 17.4 overs (Glenn Maxwell 43, George Bailey 34, Perera 35; Doug Bollinger 2/30).

Kings XI Punjab won by five wickets