123 off 58 balls! Brendon McCullum’s wild T20 World Cup carnage vs Bangladesh in 2012

McCullum's explosive innings (Source: @ICC/x.com)

Life in sport is a thrilling journey of the expected and the unexpected, where every turn brings a new story. In the sporting world, every other day is eventful, but it becomes truly unforgettable with some of the exceptional performances.

Since the T20 format was introduced into the cricket world, it was a revolution in silence as some of the stars across the globe graced the stage with their brilliance, just as Brendon McCullum. In the T20 World Cup 2012, the Kiwi star played an explosive innings of 123 runs against Bangladesh, which is still a classic.

Baz unleashes a storm to terrorize the Tigers

The cricket world has embraced countless talents over the years, but very few can come out like the Kiwis. Whenever New Zealand take field, the world remains in awe of their heroics. They may have faced a chain of heartbreaks, but the 2012 T20 World Cup saw some of their heroics.

Facing Bangladesh in the fifth group stage clash, New Zealand delivered the drama as Brendon McCullum’s excellence took away the spotlight. After winning the toss, Bangladesh forced the Kiwis to bat first, and the batter utilized every given opportunity.

Coming to open the innings, Martin Guptill walked away scoring only 11 runs, and McCullum joined James Franklin. As the Tigers eyed to keep the domination alive, McCullum turned the tide. Igniting inner fire since the first delivery, he turned himself into Bangladesh’s worst nightmare.

Completing a crucial half-century in 29 deliveries, his power-hitting became more lethal as the Tigers had a nightmare on the field. Continuing his explosive hitting, he smashed a clinical century as the world remained in awe.

In the last delivery of New Zealand’s innings, Abdur Razzak hit the jackpot as Brendon McCullum departed, scoring 123 runs in 58 balls with 11 boundaries and seven over-boundaries.

Bowlers deliver the fireworks, but McCullum takes center stage

While defending the target, the Kiwi bowlers unleashed fire on the surface as the Bangladeshi bowlers faced the heat. Kyle Milles and Tim Southee wreaked havoc as they both secured three wickets each. As the other bowlers kept the domination alive, Bangladesh ended their innings on 132 runs.

Defending the 191-run total, the Kiwi bowlers showcased their brilliance, but McCullum’s first innings brilliance eclipsed their brilliance. Even after that, New Zealand delivered some of the iconic performances but that remained immortal.