New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Retiring Brendon McCullum is still too hot to handle

McCullum's innings was the tenth instance in which the skipper has scored 50-plus at a strike rate of 200 or more in ODIs.

New Delhi: Brendon McCullum, who earlier this week announced his retirement from the international cricket, once again showed why he is still one of the best when it comes to hitting the ball.

The 34-year-old went berserk in Christchurch on Saturday in the first One-Day International against the visiting Sri Lankans. His 25-ball innings produced 55 runs, including 11 fours and a six. The Kiwis won the match by seven wickets with 174 balls in hand.

Chasing a target of 189 runs, the Kiwis were never in trouble with both the openers, skipper McCullum and Martin Guptill posting a century stand inside the first ten overs itself.

McCullum's innings was also the tenth instance in which the skipper has scored 50-plus at a strike rate of 200 or more in ODIs. Only Shahid Afridi has more counts. The Pakistan Twenty20 skipper has done it twelve times.

At unluckily for his opposite number Angelo Mathews, it was a forgettable outing. The Sri Lanka skipper brought himself on with New Zealand score already crossed the 50-run mark. But he bore the brunt of McCullum attack as Mathews' lone over went for 17 runs.