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Maxwell's brutal innings inspires Kings XI to victory in thriller

Maxwell's brutal innings inspires Kings XI to victory in thriller

A T20 career-best innings of 95 from Glenn Maxwell paved the way for Kings XI Punjab as they pulled off a remarkable six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi.

The Australian all-rounder smashed 15 fours and two sixes during a 43-ball knock rich in invention as his side chased down an imposing 206, to seal a win that was far from straightforward.

Kings XI were rarely off the pace in terms of run rate but it looked as though they might run out of wickets as they were reduced to 64 for three in the sixth over.

That brought Maxwell and David Miller together in the middle though and the pair added 103 for the fourth wicket.

It was a partnership powered by Maxwell, who had his full bag of tricks on display at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, switch-hitting, scooping and sweeping to great effect.

When he departed, just five runs short of a maiden T20 century, his side needed just 39 runs for victory from 26 balls.

They would only need 19 of those. Miller, previously pedestrian, all of a sudden stepped on the after burners as he too notched a half-century before finishing on 54 from 37 balls.

He was ably assisted by George Bailey, who made up for a dropped catch, by hitting 17 off 10.

Earlier, Chennai appeared to have taken complete control of the match as their two new recruits at the top of the order punished the fielding side in searing conditions.

Brendan McCullum and Dwayne Smith both hit half-centuries, the former falling for 67 from 45 balls. Smith added 66.

However, despite scoring at more than 10 an over it proved to be too little as Maxwell and Miller endured Chennai were denied.


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