It is a treat to watch Glenn Maxwell bat, the powerful Aussie all-rounder is more than capable of changing the course of the game and he did exactly just that against the Hobart Hurricanes.
When Maxwell arrived at the crease, the Kings XI Punjab were reeling at 23 for three but the Australian made a scorching 25-ball 43, featuring two mighty sixes and four boundaries.
He made two small but effective partnerships, first with Manan Vohra and then with skipper George Bailey, and played an instrumental role in Punjab’s five-wicket win over the Hurricanes.
“A terrific innings from Maxy and TP (Perera) there, it takes some courage to come out when your team is in a bit of trouble and go for your shots,” said Bailey. “I think Hobart have a very nice team, they lost today but they can challenge.”
The Hurricanes were in cruise control of the match, after striking thrice inside four overs, despite setting a moderate total on the board but Maxwell’s blitz stole the victory from them.
Bailey and Thisara Perera made an unbeaten 69 runs partnership, after Maxwell’s departure to register Kings XI Punjab’s maiden win in the Champions League T20.
“Disappointed but there are a lot of positives we are going to take out of the game, there’s no doubt about that,” Hobart coach Damien Wright said. “I guess we are getting used to the conditions, all those sorts of things.”
“I thought they bowled well, but (batsmen) we just didn’t hit the gaps,” he added. “I thought we bowled particularly well and gave ourselves a real contest and a real chance with a pretty low total,”
