ICC World T20: McCullum’s Century Helps New Zealand Win Against Bangladesh

Thanks to a whirwind century from Brendon McCullum, New Zealand pummelled Bangladesh by 69 runs at the Pallekele International Cricket stadium.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh chose to field. The managed to keep a lid on the scoring in the initial overs and early in the innings had Martin Guptill's wicket too. But McCullum who came in at one drop went after the bowling and carted them to all corners of the ground. His innings of 123 in 58 balls consisted of seven sixes and 11 fours and was reminiscent of his innings for Kolkata Knight Riders in the inaugral match of the IPL. Franklin offered him support with a run a ball knock of 35. Barring Abdur Razzaq who took 2 for 28, all the Bangladeshi bowlers were taken for runs.

In reply, Bangladesh were never in the hunt as they lost their talismanic opener Tamim Iqbal for a third ball duck. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and the asking rate went out of the roof. Only Nasir Hossain could stand up to the New Zealand attack as he scored a half century off 39 balls. Kyle Mills and Tim Southee both bagged four wickets, and Nathan McCullum too contributed with a spell of four overs where he conceded just fifteen runs and took a wicket.

Brendon McCullum was adjudged the man of the match for his remarkable innings.