Cuttack: Australia’s explosive batsman Glenn Maxwell powered the Kings XI Punjab to a comprehensive 44-run win over Chennai Super Kings to replace them at the top of the IPL table at the Barabati Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing the highest total of the tournament of 231/4, the Super Kings could only manage 187/6 in their 20 overs after electing to field.
Maxwell drove his team to a mammoth total with his magnificent 38-ball knock of 90 runs. In the process, the Victorian batsman smashed six fours and eight massive sixes all over the stadium.
Maxwell came in after opener Mandeep Singh (3) was out cheaply. Virender Sehwag played well for his 30 runs at the start of the innings. After Sehwag was out, with the score at 38/2 in the sixth over, it was the Maxwell show all the way.
The Australian was given good support by southpaw David Miller (47) and later by compatriot George Bailey, who also hammered an outrageous 13-ball 40 at an incredible strike rate of 307.69.
Maxwell and Miller struck the all-important 135-run third wicket partnership to propel the team to 182. The Melbourne man missed out on his century when he hit Mohit Sharma straight to deep mid-wicket where he was caught.
But skipper Bailey made sure the team went well past the 200-mark to post a supremely challenging total.
Maxwell did not leave any Super Kings bowler with decent figures as all of them went for at least nine runs per over with only Sharma taking two wickets.