Kings XI Punjab have kicked off their T20 Champions League campaign by securing a five-wicket victory over Hobart Hurricanes in Mohali this evening.
The Hurricanes elected to bat first, but their spell at the crease was disrupted by Thisara Perera, who dismissed opener Ben Dunk (26) and Aiden Blizzard (27) early on.
Travis Birt and the unbeaten Jon Wells went on to record 28 runs apiece as the Australian outfit finished their innings on 144-6.
It proved a beatable target for the Kings XI as Glenn Maxwell inspired his team to victory in their opening Champions League encounter.
Their route to victory could not have started any worse, however, with Doug Bollinger dismissing opening batsman Virender Sehwag (0) with his very first ball.
Bollinger claimed another wicket shortly after to dismiss Wriddhiman Saha (11) before Maxwell led the Kings XI charge with 46 runs after 25 balls.
Unbeaten closing pair George Bailey and Perera got their side over the finish line with runs of 34 and 35 respectively, as the hosts ended on 146-5 to kick off the competition in winning fashion.
Shane Callaghan
