Cricket
McCullum smashes 158 in IPL opener
From correspondents in Bangalore, India
April 19, 2008 THE controversial Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition kicked off in Bangalore with Australia captain Ricky Ponting's side scoring a crushing opening night win.

Captained by Sourav Ganguly, Kolkata Knight Riders amassed a huge 3-222 from their 20 overs, with New Zealander Brendon McCullum smashing 158 from just 73 balls.

Ponting hit 20 from 20 deliveries and fellow Australian David Hussey 12 from 12.

In reply, Bangalore Royal Challengers - featuring Australians Cameron White and Ashley Noffke - were all out for 82.

A crowd of 55,000 in Bangalore were also treated to a huge fireworks display and an appearance by cheerleaders from NFL team Washington Redskins.