Captain Brendon McCullum led from the front with a fine knock but it came in a losing cause as Lahore Qalandars fell to a 27-run defeat to Karachi Kings on Monday night in the Pakistan Super League.

The New Zealand batsman top-scored with 44 runs off 30 deliveries for his highest score in this year’s competition.

Here, we analyse his performance from that match:

STATISTICS:

RUNS: 44

BALLS: 30

FOURS: 5

SIXES: 2

STRIKE-RATE: 146.66

30-SECOND REPORT AND KEY MOMENTS

With his strike partner Sunil Narine out for a golden duck, the Kiwi was cautious in his approach. His first boundary came in the second over, courtesy of Tymal Mills’ no-ball. Gradually found his game at the crease although he was given a scare after being dropped by Usman at third man.

But given his pedigree with big-hitting, it was only a matter of time before an onslaught came and that was in the fifth over. Mills was the unlucky bowler again, going for two fours and a six as McCullum adjusted his feet to get the best in his three deliveries.

GOT RIGHT:

His DRS decision

Karachi Kings thought they got their man when the umpire raised his finger for what he thought was glove to keeper. McCullum instantly reviewed with TV replays showing the ball hit his left bicep to survive.

Showed his aggressiveness         

Failed to live up to the billing as one of the best big hitters in his last two games but on Monday, showed glimpses of what Lahore will hope will be the start of something big for him in PSL. Not afraid to attack Karachi bowlers with five boundaries and two sixes.

GOT WRONG:

Out for LBW again

For the second time in the competition, McCullum was trapped in front of the wicket. In this case it was an attempted reverse-sweep on Imad Wasim’s delivery. It’s one area that will need addressing if he want to register big scores.

Verdict: Seven

As captain, led by example by hitting 44 runs. It might have been for a losing cause but his display showed what Brendon McCullum is all about.