Brendon McCullum: New Zealand performance against England was world class

Brendon McCullum batting against England

Wellington, Feb 20 (IANS) New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum was delighted at the manner in which his team drubbed England by eight wickets in a World Cup encounter, claiming it to be a "world class performance" here on Friday.

Right-arm swing bowler Southee (7/33 in nine overs) ripped through the England batting to restrict them to a dismal 123 all out in 33.2 overs in a Pool A match at the Westpac Stadium. It was the New Zealander's best bowling in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and the World Cup and the third best by any bowler in the tournament's 11 editions.

His superb display set up the tournament co-hosts' comprehensive victory, which they completed in just 12.2 overs, aided by skipper Brendon McCullum's 25-ball 77, who brought up his half-century in 18 balls. It was the fastest fifty in the tournament's 40-year history and third fastest in ODIs.

"It was incredible. We wanted to bat first as well. I thought the pitch was pretty good, but it is just the ability of our bowlers to swing the ball in the air. World-class performance, the crowd was amazing," McCullum said at the post-match presentation ceremony on Friday.

The captain also praised his bowlers saying it was amazing to have such an attack at his disposal and lauded the fielding efforts of the team.

"Amazing for us to have this attack up our sleeve, and we have guys on the sidelines who have done well for us in the past. Huge first week in the tournament, now some time to regroup.

"One area you can control is fielding. Our fielding today was as good as it has been in a pretty long time. I am sure England will bounce back but good to get the points against a pretty strong England side," he added.

Asked about their plans of celebrating the resounding victory, he said: "We might have a quiet beer in the dressing room."