Nathan cherishes all-round role in Kiwis’ win

PROVIDENCE: Nathan McCullum was the one doing the damage as New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in a thrilling World Twenty20 opener on Friday.

New Zealand, needing three runs to win with two balls to spare, saw McCullum, better known as an off-spinner, loft fast bowler Lasith Malinga for six over long-off. It capped a memorable day for the man of the match, whose unbeaten 16 came off six balls with 13 of his runs, including a four and a six, coming in the last over. His innings was played in a match where his brother Brendon was out for nought.

Earlier McCullum was given the new ball, as was New Zealand off-spinner Dipak Patel, and found himself bowling to Tillakaratne Dilshan. But McCullum returned impressive figures of one wicket for 17 runs from his three overs.