IPL 2017: Hashim Amla’s 58-ball ton for Kings XI Punjab goes in vain

It was a special performance from Kings XI Punjab opener Hashim Amla as he scored his first century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Mumbai Indians at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Thursday. (KXIP vs MI: T20 MATCH BLOG)

The South Africa international reached the milestone in 58 balls and his innings was comprised of eight boundaries and six sixes. This was the second century of this year’s tournament after Delhi Daredevils batsman Sanju Samson slammed 104 against Rising Pune Supergiant. Courtesy, Amla’s ton KXIP scored 198/4. (KXIP vs MI: T20 MATCH SCORECARD)

However, Mumbai Indians raced down the target in just 15.3 overs as Jos Buttler scored 77 and Nitish Rana stayed unbeaten on 62.

Hashim Amla made his intentions clear from the beginning of the match when he slashed Mitchell McClenaghan for a boundary over backward point. However, he played cautiously in the middle overs as Shaun Marsh was hitting the big shots at the other end.

Special liking for Malinga

The Proteas batsman took a special liking to Lasith Malinga who got a special welcome from Amla in his very first over. The second ball of Malinga’s first over was a short-pitched one and Amla did not hesitate to hit it for a huge six over long-on.

Amla kept losing partners on the other end, but that did not hinder his innings. First, he lofted Krunal Pandya for a six over long-off and then followed it up with a boundary off Lasith Malinga.

Amla reached his half-century in 34 balls, but that was just the start for him as he looked completely at ease against the Mumbai Indians bowlers. Amla slammed Krunal Pandya for a four through the cover region and two overs later, it was Malinga once again who faced his wrath. The 34-year old pummeled Malinga for two sixes and two fours in the 16th over to take his score to 77.

Second fiddle to Maxwell

However, Amla had to play second fiddle once again in the game as Glenn Maxwell made 40 off just 17 deliveries. The Proteas kept the scoreboard ticking and even after losing two wickets in quick succession, he did not let the run rate drop drastically.

The 34-year old did let loose in the last over and Lasith Malinga was once again the victim of his stroke play. He guided the first ball for a six over the wicket-keeper’s head and then flicked the ball over backward short leg to reach a well-deserved hundred. He was unbeaten at the end of the innings on 104 and his brilliant batting took Kings XI Punjab to a competitive total of 198/4 in 20 overs.