BRENDON McCullum’s unbeaten knock of 83, inspired Otago Volts to an eight-wicket victory over Faisalabad Wolves while Shikhar Dhawan inspired Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory in the Champions League Twenty20 qualifiers yesterday.

Faisalabad Wolves captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s decision to bat first on a pitch that clearly favoured the opposition was questionable to say the least, but despite that decision, the Pakistani fired a 34-ball 46 to ensure that there was a contest.
Otago Volts’s fast bowlers made light work of their opposition however, with the Wolves being reduced to just 139-8 from the 20 overs.
In response, the Volts got off to a poor start with opening batsman Neil Broom dismissed for a second-ball duck. Eventual hero McCullum then came to the crease and steadied the ship, putting on a 41-run partnership with Hamish Rutherford before the latter was dismissed.
Derek de Boorder was the next man out and complemented McCullum as the two saw their side over the line with 13 balls remaining.
In the other match, a century-stand between Darwan and Parthiv Patel, who both hit half-centuries, ensured Sunrisers Hyderabad a win over Kandurata Maroons.
Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne also hit half-centuries as the Maroons set a respectable target of 168, but their bowling attack left much to be desired as the Sunrisers batsmen enjoyed their time at the crease, eventually winning by eight wickets.