Kolkata: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) skipper Glenn Mexwell ‘s quickfire 25-ball 44 and some deft bowling in death overs helped Kings XI Punjab beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 14 runs in their IPL match at the at the PCA Stadium on Tuesday evening. In reply KXIP 167 for 6, KKR finished on 153 for 6 at the end of allotted 20 overs.
Faced with a do-or-die situation, the hosts were tactical since the inception even after scoring a competitive 168. KXIP conceded just 21 runs in their last three overs to dash the hopes of Gautam Gambhir-led franchise. Chris Lynn’s 52-ball 84-run was the only anxious moments for Maxwell, but Rahul Tewatia and Mohit Sharma claimed two wickets apiece.
Maxwell-Saha partnership
Earlier Maxwell forged a 71-run partnership with India Test wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha (38 off 33) to help the Punjab franchise reach the competitive total.
Brief scores: Kings XI Punjab 167/6 (Glen Maxwell 44, Wriddhiman Saha 38; Chris Woakes 2/20, Kuldeep Yadav 2/34) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 153/6 (Chris Lynn 84, Mohit Sharma 2/24, Rahul Tewatia 2/18) by 14 runs.