BRENDON SLAMS…
BRENDON McCullum scored a blistering double-century as New Zealand Cricket XI dominated the opening day of the three-day tour game against the Pakistanis at Cobham Oval (New) in Whangarei. The Pakistani bowlers were put to the sword as McCullum and Tim McIntosh put on 162 for the first wicket, after New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat. McCullum was the aggressor, scoring at close to a run a ball, as the Pakistani opening bowlers, Sohail Tanvir and Tanvir Ahmed struggled to contain him.
Tanvir was particularly expensive, going at more than six runs an over in his 13 overs.
The Pakistanis finally had some success when Abdur Rehman dismissed McIntosh for 51. However McCullum then combined with BJ Watling to add 86 for second wicket to further torment the Pakistani bowlers.
McCullum was finally dismissed in the 82nd over by Umar Gul after he made 206 off 218 balls.
New Zealand ended the day on 342 for 4 with James Franklin and Dean Brownlie at the crease.