McCullum delighted with opening WC win
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has expressed his delight at the manner in which his team disposed of Sri Lanka in the opening match of the World Cup at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.
The Black Caps put in a good allround performance to comprehensively beat the Asian team by 98 runs, as the co-hosts got their campaign off to the perfect start in front of a capacity crowd.
Skipper McCullum, batsman Kane Williamson and allrounder Corey Anderson were the stars with the bat, as they all scored half-centuries to lead the Kiwis to 331 for six in their 50 overs.
All the bowlers chipped in and played their part to dismiss Sri Lanka for 233 inside 47 overs, with man of the match Anderson completing a good day all round by taking two wickets.
McCullum said after the match: "It was a really good performance from the boys. We have been waiting a long time for this so it is great to complete our plans.
"The wicket was a bit on the slow side, but there was definitely good bounce and carry. It was great to lay the foundation and then allow the bigger hitters to come in and do the job. It's great to beat a very tough Sri Lanka team."
Anderson said: "It's nice to come back home and play in front of my family and friends. I guess this World Cup is the stuff we dream of. There were more nerves than normal."
Latest
-
NewsChris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
NewsRavichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
NewsInvestigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
NewsJos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
NewsEngland’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
NewsProteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
NewsSmith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
NewsEngland warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
NewsJack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
NewsJonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.