NZ wins a thriller
02/28/2010 08:48:00 AM
great partner in Gareth Hopkins who helped him add 78 runs for the fifth wicket.
The introduction of David Hussey's off-spin and Steven Smith's leg-spin slowed the scoring rate down and newcomer Ross Taylor panicked to run himself out leaving New Zealand 69-3.
Daniel Christian's arrival allowed Hopkins to free his arms and his first ball was cut behind point and 11 runs, with four leg byes thrown in, were taken from the over as New Zealand upped the ante again.
McCullum blasted a superb straight drive for four off Smith and then posted his half-century courtesy of a fielding blue by Travis Birt.
He took 33 balls and hit seven fours and two sixes to reach the milestone.
Nannes returned for the 16th over but Hopkins stood on his stumps and departed having hit 36 from 17 balls at 145-5.