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'When the team is in trouble, it takes courage to go for your shots'

September 19, 2014 12:08 IST

Akshar Patel is congratulated by his Kings XI Punjab teammates after dismissing Hobart Hurricanes' captain Tim Paine. Photograph: BCCI

Kings XI Punjab captain heaped praise on Glenn Maxwell and Thisara Perera after the five-wicket win against Hobart Hurricanes in Mohali and
promised his team will get better in the Champions League T20.

"A terrific innings from Maxy and TP (Perera) there, it takes some courage to come out when your team is in a bit of trouble and go for your shots," said Bailey, who stayed unbeaten alongside Perera (30 runs off 25 balls) to take the past Hurricanes 144 for six in 17.4 overs. 

Kings had started the chase badly and were 51 for four in eighth over. Maxwell's innings of 43 changed the game. 

Kings XI Punjab captain George Bailey with his Hobart Hurricanes counterpart Tim Paine. Photograph: BCCI

Bailey (34 off 27), who plays for Hurricanes in the Big Bash League back home, was as kind to his Australian team as the one he is going to captain in the tournament. 

"I think Hobart have a very nice team, they lost today but they can challenge," he said of the team which is also playing its first CLT20. Bailey lauded the effort put by Kings bowlers, especially medium pacer Anureet Singh.

"Anureet Singh didn't get much of a chance in the IPL with a broken thumb, he was outstanding with the ball, that one over at the death. We (Kings XI) slotted back in really quickly, not our best game with the bat but we will get better."