On this day in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) debuted with a historic clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The inaugural match was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to Brendon McCullum’s breathtaking innings.
Opening for KKR, New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum played an unforgettable knock, smashing 158 runs off just 73 balls. At the time, this was the highest individual score in T20 cricket. His innings was adorned with 10 boundaries and a staggering 13 sixes, propelling KKR to a mammoth total of 222/3.
RCB, overwhelmed by the pressure, faltered in response and were bowled out for a mere 82 runs, suffering a massive 140-run defeat. While RCB’s collapse was dramatic, the significance of the match went far beyond the result. This game marked the beginning of India’s grandest cricketing festival and the world’s most lucrative cricket league.
The inaugural night was also filled with dazzling Bollywood-style celebrations, with KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan jubilantly cheering from the stands. McCullum’s power-packed innings set the perfect tone for what would become a cricketing revolution, captivating millions of fans around the globe. This electrifying start to the IPL is remembered as a defining moment in cricket history.
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