Martin Guptill surpasses Brendon McCullum, becomes highest run-scorer in T20Is

Martin Guptill made T20I history on Friday with a stunning century in New Zealand’s tri-series match against Australia. He surpassed compatriot Brendon McCullum to achieve the feat.

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill on Friday became the leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals with his second century against Australia at the Eden Park in Auckland. (SCORECARD)

Martin Guptill celebrates his century during the T20 encounter between New Zealand and Australia on Friday.(AFP)

In the fifth T20I of the ongoing series also involving England, Guptill turned up the heat on the Australian bowlers, using the short boundaries at the Eden Park to his benefit. He scored a 54-ball 105, studded with nine sixes and six fours.

Guptill’s century on Friday came off a mere 49 balls, which is also the record for fastest T20I hundred scored by any New Zealand batsman. The record was previously held by McCullum (50 balls).

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The right-handed Guptill thus went past former Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum’s record of scoring most runs in T20Is. In 71 T20Is, McCullum scored 2,140 runs at 35.66 with two centuries and 13 fifties.

On Friday, Guptill not only went past McCullum’s record but also joined the exclusive list of cricketers with two centuries in the format. His numbers are identical to the former New Zealand captain, having scored 2,188 runs in 73 matches with two tons and 13 fifties.

Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is third highest in the list of most run-getters in T20Is, with 1,956 runs in a mere 55 matches with 18 fifties, averaging a mind-boggling 52.86.

The cricket fraternity meanwhile flooded Guptill with their congratulatory messages, starting with McCullum.

Guptill’s whirlwind century pushed New Zealand to a daunting total of 243/6, which is now the joint highest total in New Zealand. The Kiwis had scored 243/6 earlier against West Indies at Mount Maunganui.