10 best match-winning knocks by Brendon McCullum

As one of the New Zealands greatest match-winner calls time on an illustrious career, we look back at some of the most outrageous knocks the Kiwi skipper has played to lead his team to some of the most unlikely victories.Since the list consists of match-winning knocks only, scores such as302 v/s Indiahave not been considered as the match ended in a draw.The Kiwi is in line to play 100 consecutive test matches without missing a single test for his country, overtaking superman Ab de Villiers record of playing the most consecutive matches since debut.McCullum also needs a singular hit over the rope to break the long-standing record byAdam Gilchrist for the most number of sixes by an individual in Test matches, the only record he cares about.

#1 69* vs India at Wellington, 2009 (T-20)

McCullum was on top of his game during the India series

An absolute masterclass from Baz as he stood at the crease right up to the end to set up a thrilling run chase from the Kiwi’s.

New Zealand seemed to be in complete control of the game up to the 18th over wherein Irfan Pathan snared up 2 wickets to get India right back into the game. From 28 required from the last 3 overs, the equation shifted to 23 off 2 overs and eventually 9 needed off the last 3 deliveries.

Earlier in the day, India posted 149 on the board largely due to a quick-fire 50 from southpaw Yuvraj Singh. 150 in trying conditions was always going to be a tough ask and New Zealand began solidly but lost the plot in the middle overs.

McCullum, though, stayed calm and composed right up to the end and was on strike to Irfan Pathan who had his tail up, conceding just 8 runs of his last 9 deliveries and accounting for 2 crucial wickets. The first ball was carved away over mid-wicket for a boundary followed by another, this one straight drive straight over the bowler’s head.

With the scores tied, McCullum miscued a pull shot to mid-off but it fell in no man’s territory as New Zealand pulled off a resounding win.

Just a game earlier, McCullum orchestrated another run chase of 162 runs with a composed 56* to win two consecutive Man of the Match awards as well as bagging the Man of the Series.