Birthday special: Brendon McCullum – Top knocks across formats by Kiwi legend
Brendon McCullum was a batsman who could annihilate the opposition with the willow in hand. In an illustrious career that spanned more than a decade, McCullum represented New Zealand in 101 Tests, 260 ODIs and 71 T20Is. The right-hander scored 6453 runs in Test cricket and scored his runs at an average of 38.64.
In the ODI format of the game, McCullum amassed 6083 runs, while he plundered 2140 runs in T20I cricket. McCullum was a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) too, and featured in 109 matches, scoring 2880 runs. As the legendary cricketer turns 40 today, let us take a look at one best knock of McCullum in Tests, ODIs, T20Is as well as the IPL.
Tests – 302 vs India (2014)
Brendon McCullum’s best knock in Test match cricket came in February 2014 against the Indian side at Wellington. New Zealand batted first and were bowled out for just 192. India replied with a mammoth total of 438, with Ajinkya Rahane scoring a masterly 118.
However, McCullum played arguably one of the greatest knocks ever played by a New Zealand batsman in Test cricket in the second essay. In a marathon 559-ball stay, McCullum scored 302 and helped his side post a total of 680/8 in the second innings, as the Kiwis set India a challenging target of 435 for a win. India safely negotiated 52 overs in the second innings, with their scorecard reading 166/3, as the match ended in a draw.
ODIs – 131 vs Pakistan (2009)
On 6th November 2009, Brendon McCullum dished out his best ODI performance with the willow in New Zealand colours. Batting first, the New Zealand side piled up a total of 303/8 in 50 overs, with Brendon McCullum scoring a classy 131 off 129 deliveries. McCullum struck 14 fours and 3 sixes in his stay out in the middle.
Pakistan were nowhere in the chase, kept losing wickets at regular intervals, and in the end, was bowled out for 239, losing the match by 64 runs.
T20Is – 116*(56) vs Australia (2010)
On 28th February 2010, New Zealand and Australia played out a high scoring thriller at Christchurch. New Zealand batted first, and posted a massive total of 214/6 on the board. And, Brendon McCullum pulverized the Australian bowling attack, scoring 116* at a strike rate in excess of 200.
The batting icon scored 12 fours and 8 sixes in his innings. Australia too, finished with the exact same score, and the match was tied. But then, the Kiwis had the last laugh, as they emerged triumphant in the Super Over.
IPL – 158* (73) vs RCB (2008)
Who can ever forget this knock from Brendon McCullum? In the very first match of the IPL, McCullum set the stage on fire with one of the greatest knocks ever played in IPL cricket. Turning out for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the Kiwi cricketer blasted a belligerent 158* off just 73 deliveries to help the Knight Riders post a gargantuan total of 222/3 on the board.
McCullum’s blazing knock consisted of 10 fours and a whopping 13 sixes. In reply, the Bangalore side was shot out for a paltry total of 82, as the KKR outfit thrashed their opponents by 140 runs.
