Hindustan Times (Delhi)

McCullum influence helps Kiwis triumph

- Reuters sportsdesk@hindustant­imes.com

CHRISTCHUR­CH: Brendon McCullum gave the World Cup the explosive opening organisers had hoped for with a blazing innings and inspired captaincy to give New Zealand a 98-run win over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

McCullum blasted 65 runs in a 111-run opening stand with Martin Guptill (49), before Kane Williamson (57) and Corey Anderson (75) gave New Zealand an imposing 331 for six after being asked to bat by Angelo Mathews at Hagley Oval.

McCullum’s biggest contributi­on to the game, however, probably came when the visitors had establishe­d a handy platform to attack at the conclusion of 21 overs with the score on 119 for one and Lahiru Thirimanne and Kumar Sangakkara well set.

Left-arm pacer Trent Boult had been taken for 15 runs from his two previous overs but McCullum persisted with the 25-year-old, who managed to produce one of the few deliveries to swing all day when he bowled Thirimanne for 65.

Boult then trapped Sangakkara in front with another late swinging delivery five balls later to effectivel­y end Sri Lanka’s chances.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India