In a stunning opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008, Brendon McCullum made history with an incredible century, leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to a sensational victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The match, which took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, saw McCullum smash an unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls, including 13 boundaries and an incredible 10 sixes. His breathtaking innings not only helped Kolkata post a mammoth total of 222/3, but also set a new record for the highest individual score in IPL history.
Chasing the daunting target, Bangalore struggled to keep up with the required run rate from the very beginning, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite a valiant effort from Rahul Dravid, who scored 66 off 48 balls, Bangalore could only manage 82/6 in their allotted 20 overs, handing Kolkata a resounding 140-run victory.
Speaking after the match, McCullum said, “I’m just happy to contribute to the team’s success. It’s a great feeling to start the tournament on such a high note. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my teammates and the amazing crowd here in Bangalore.”
The Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory in the IPL opener not only marked a stunning start to the tournament, but also signaled their intent to make a serious challenge for the title. With Brendon McCullum in such imperious form, Kolkata’s opponents will certainly be wary of their firepower and determination to succeed.
What is the record of Brendon McCullum in IPL ?
Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain and opening batsman, is one of the most successful players in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Here are some of his notable records in the tournament:
- Highest individual score in an IPL innings: Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of IPL 2008 is still the highest individual score in IPL history. It included 13 fours and 10 sixes.
- Fastest century in IPL history: McCullum’s century in the same match is also the fastest century in IPL history, coming off just 51 balls.
- Most sixes in a single IPL innings: McCullum’s 10 sixes in the aforementioned innings is the joint-highest number of sixes hit by a batsman in a single IPL innings.
- Most runs in a single IPL season by a Kolkata Knight Riders player: In IPL 2015, McCullum scored 436 runs in 14 matches at an average of 27.25, which is the highest tally by a Kolkata Knight Riders player in a single IPL season.
- Most dismissals as a wicketkeeper-captain in a single IPL season: In IPL 2009, McCullum took 15 dismissals (13 catches and 2 stumpings) as a wicketkeeper-captain, which is the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper-captain in a single IPL season.
Overall, McCullum played 109 IPL matches and scored 2880 runs at an average of 27.69, with two centuries and 13 half-centuries. He also took 33 catches and 23 stumpings as a wicketkeeper in the tournament.
Brendon Mccullum Centuries IPL T20
Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain and opening batsman, scored two centuries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during his career. Here is the list of his centuries in the IPL:
- 158* off 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2008. This is the highest individual score in IPL history and also the fastest century in IPL history.
- 100* off 56 balls for Gujarat Lions against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2016. This was his second IPL century and helped Gujarat Lions chase down a target of 137 with 10 wickets in hand.
Overall, McCullum played 109 IPL matches and scored 2880 runs at an average of 27.69, with two centuries and 13 half-centuries. He was known for his aggressive batting style and was one of the most exciting players to watch in the tournament.