Brendon McCullum becomes first ever batsman to score 2000 runs in T20 Internationals

Brendon McCullum

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, en route to his 45-ball 65 that helped the Kiwis seal the deal against the Netherlands in their chase of 152 in the ongoing T20 World Cup, became the first batsman in T20 internationals to reach the milestone of 2000 runs. He now has 2044 runs. Mahela Jayawardene, with 1444 runs, is a distant second.

This 32-year-old right-handed bastman, who is known for his hard hitting skills, has always been remarkably consistent in the shortest format of the game, which is in stark contrast to his performances in ODIs and Tests. It has to be noted, though, that ever since shunning the wicket-keeping duty and becoming the national captain recently, he has shown a great improvement in the other formats, too.

McCullum, who has a career strike-rate of 136.26, reached this milestone in 67 matches at an impressive average of 36.50. Not only this, he has also hit the most number of fours (192) and sixes (85) in T20 internationals, besides being the first and only cricketer to hit two centuries. His 123 against Bangladesh has him second in the list of individual highest scores in T20Is.

One wonders what would he have done in the Indian Premier League had he not been picked by the Kolkata Knight riders and made to play on turners, which clearly isn’t his strength. McCullum has had few innings of note after his stunning 158* in the very first match of the inaugural edition of the IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore; however, having been picked up by Chennai Super Kings for the upcoming seasons and with Chepauk becoming flat with every passing day, he should deliver more consistently.