NOT CONTENT WITH becoming the first batsman to score two international T20 centuries, New Zealand’s Brendan McCullum went on to score 123 off just 58 balls against Bangladesh this morning, the highest total posted in international T20 history.
The right-hander hit seven sixes as he helped the Black Caps to a comprehensive 59 run victory over a disappointing Bangladesh team.
The Bangladeshis had begun well, keeping New Zealand openers Martin Guptill and James Franklin quiet before the introduction of spin saw Guptill’s wicket fall.
However, once McCullum came to the crease, the New Zealand run rate increased dramatically.
McCullum’s total saw him surpass Richard Levi’s previous record of 117 and his own best of 116 set against Australia in February 2010.
However, Bangladesh will be left cursing their luck after Mashrafe Mortaza dropped McCullum on 92.
The result is Bangladesh’s ninth T20 World Cup loss in succession and they must now beat Pakistan to have any hope of qualifying for the Super Eight Stage of the tournament.
