Glenn Maxwell stars again in Kings XI Punjab's big win over Rajasthan Royals

David Miller and Cheteshwar Pujara celebrate the win over Rajasthan Royals

Sharjah - Another superb show of batting by Glenn Maxwell (89 off 45) gave Kings XI Punjab a massive seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in a big run chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Sunday.

Former champions Rajasthan Royals thought they had a winning total on board after half-centuries from Sanju Samson (52) and skipper Shane Watson (50) took them to a competitive 191 for five in 20 overs.

But Maxwell and David Miller, who struck an unbeaten 51 off just 19 balls, put up a stunning show of power-packed batting as Kings XI easily surpassed the target scoring 193 with seven wickets in hand and eight balls to spare.

The duo had also starred in a similar act Friday night to fashion an unlikely win for Kings XI Punjab against Chennai Super Kings while chasing a target of 206.

Maxwell and Miller went ahead with their attacking style right from the word go after an unimpressive start.

Virender Sehwag lasted seven balls for his two runs while Wriddhiman Saha also managed two before the two batsmen were back in the dugout with just 10 runs on board in the third over.

Opener Cheteshwar Pujara held up one end with an unbeaten 40 off 38 balls while Maxwell went after the Royals bowling. Maxwell, who smashed 95 against Super Kings in the last match, picked up from where he had stopped as he struck eight fours and six sixes. They added a whirlwind 116-run stand for the third wicket. Maxwell’s innings took him at the top of the IPL run-scorers table, earning him the Orange Cap.

Glenn Maxwell continued his stupendous form in IPL

The only bowler who gained some respect was the 42-year-old leg spinner Pravin Tambe, who conceded just 26 runs from his four overs. All-rounder Stuart Binny also gave away just four runs from his only over.

After Maxwell’s departure in the 14th over, Miller set the stage on fire with a 19-ball 51 as he stitched an unfinished 67-run stand with Pujara. Miller dealt only in sixes, hitting six of them, out which four came from a 27-run Dhawal Kulkarni over.

Miller finished off in style hitting James Faulkner for six over the cover as Kings XI registered their second consecutive win in a high scoring encounter.

Earlier, put in by Kings XI skipper George Bailey, Rajasthan Royals rode on half-centuries from Samson and Watson to reach a competitive 191 for five in 20 overs.

Samson was the top scorer with a 34-ball 52, that was studded with three fours and four sixes, while Watson slammed 50 off 29 balls with five fours and three sixes. Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 27 off 15 balls and he hit five fours.