ON THIS DAY | Brendon McCullum Played A Blistering 158* For KKR In First Ever IPL Match In 2008

Brendon McCullum introduced the world the Indian Premier League in a blockbuster fashion by scoring an unbeaten 158 ON THIS DAY in 2008. Read below.

Brendon McCullum celebrating his century for Kolkata Knight Riders in opening match of IPL 2008 ( Image Source :@KKRiders / X )

Indian Premier League: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has completed its 16 years today and in its 17th season, the teams have made a blistering start, and some o them are seeming like distant runner for the playoffs spot, and for few, the dream already seems over. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are at the bottom of the table with only a solitary win to their name and 6 defeats, whereas, it is the vice versa for Rajasthan Royals in the points table, as they have 6 wins and a solitary loss in thier 7 IPL 2024 outings so far.

However, the date is April 18 and it marks exactly 16 years, when IPL was introduced to cricketing fans and the first ever fixture of the iconic league was between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The fixture became the benchmark for the batters as Brendon McCullum unleashed his wrath on the RCB bowlers and KKR managed to register 222/3 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

#OnThisDay, Baz inaugurated the Knights' #TATAIPL journey with a 💥 pic.twitter.com/LYPaspmoDT

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 18, 2024

1⃣7⃣ Years ❤️

The Indian Premier League continues to grow and touch the hearts of many

Which IPL memory do you fondly remember🤔#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/MaxAxEH8C4

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 18, 2024

In reply, a dismal RCB side couldn't manage to reach triple figures as a three-wicket haul from Ajit Agarkar, alongside pair of wickets from Ashok Dinda and captain Sourav Ganguly bundled out the side for 82 runs, and KKR, therefore, recorded a mighty 140-run victory over the home side.

 

Brendon McCullum's IPL Career In A Nutshell

Brendon McCullum is arguably amongst the most dangerous batters to have ever graced the 22-yard pitch of cricket, and is arguably, the greatest fielder ever witnessed. The Kiwi legend is a true icon of the sport and has fared out well in the IPL as well. In his 109 matches as an IPL player, the 42-year old has represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Kochi Tuskers Kerela, Gujarat Lions, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and has amassed 2880 runs at an average of 27.69 and a strike rate of 131.75, alongside two massive tons.