Buttler hits out to deny Maxwell's Punjab
Jos Buttler proved to be a one-man wrecking ball against the Kings XI Punjab. (AAP)
England international Jos Buttler produced an innings of brute power to outshine Hashim Amla and inspire Mumbai Indians to a stunning eight-wicket win over Shaun Marsh and Glenn Maxwell's Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League.
Buttler smashed seven fours and five sixes in a sensational 37-ball 77, reaching a maiden IPL half-century from just 24 deliveries, to set up Mumbai's pursuit of 199.
He shared partnerships of 81 with Parthiv Patel and 85 with Nitish Rana, who made an unbeaten 62, before skying Mohit Sharma to Maxwell in the deep with 33 runs required from 42 balls.
Rana and Hardik Pandya led Mumbai to victory with almost five overs to spare, meaning Amla's maiden Twenty20 century proved in vain.
The South African carried his bat, blasting 104 from 60 deliveries, and had support from Maxwell's 18-ball 40 as the Kings XI Punjab amassed 4-198 after losing the toss.
Maxwell hit three sixes and four boundaries during his stay at the crease.
Marsh, who opened the batting alongside Amla, was the first Punjab wicket to fall when he was caught by Kieron Pollard off New Zealand's Mitchell McClenaghan for 26.
