Glenn Maxwell guided Kings XI Punjab to a six-wicket win over Rising Pune Supergiant in their opening game of the Indian Premier League.
The Australian struck 40 off 20 balls, with four sixes at the Holkar Stadium, as he and compatriot David Miller (30) put on an unbroken stand of 79 for the fifth wicket to see Punjab home after the innings had been wobbling at 85 for four as they chased a target of 164.
Pune, who had won their opening game on Thursday, had been put into bat by Punjab and were grateful to England all-rounder Ben Stokes for getting them to a competitive score of 163 for six.
Stokes took centre stage in Pune’s middle order, his 50 coming off 32 balls, including three sixes, after the innings had appeared to be in danger of slumping at 49 for three, with captain Steve Smith falling caught and bowled to Axar Patel for 27.
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Stokes put on 61 with Manoj Tiwary (40 not out) to get the team to a total of 163 for six off their 20 overs.
Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the Punjab attack as he took two for 33 off his four overs.
While Punjab had got off to a solid start in reply, their innings had lost momentum after losing Hashim Amla (28) and Patel (24) in quick succession.
But Maxwell and Miller steadied the ship and saw Punjab home with an over to spare on 164 for four.
In Saturday’s other game, Royal Challengers Bangalore held their nerve with the ball to defeat Delhi Daredevils by 17 runs.
Five sixes from Kedar Jadhav during his knock of 69 was the highlight of Bangalore’s score of 157 for eight, with Chris Morris (three for 21) the pick of the bowling.
Delhi had looked to be in contention in reply with Rishabh Pant (50) looking well set.
But needing 21 off the final two overs with three wickets remaining, Delhi could only muster five runs as they lost two wickets, including Pant, to fall short.
Captain Shane Watson led by example, conceding one for 21 off his four overs, including just two of the penultimate over of the match.
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