7 instances of both openers scoring ducks in an IPL match

#6 Brendon McCullum and VVS Laxman (KTK)

McCullum and Laxman: two complete opposites

In what was the debut season for both franchises, Kochi Tuskers Kerala took on Pune Warriors India in the 10th match of IPL 2011 at Mumbai. Kochi captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and elected to bat first.

Alfonso Thomas opened the bowling and facing him was devastating Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum.

The aggressive batsman could not control his instincts as he chased a delivery wide outside off stump, only to edge the ball to keeper Robin Uthappa.

With Baz gone for zero, the onus of laying a solid platform rested on the experienced shoulders of Indian veteran Laxman.

After having played a couple of dots, the wristy right-handed batsman tried to run one down towards the third man to get off the mark.

The slight inward movement on Wayne Parnell’s ball was enough to get the inside half of Laxman’s bat that led the ball to crash into the stumps.

Lower order contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (47) and Brad Hodge (39) helped Kochi reach a respectable 148 on the board.

Although Pune kept losing wickets at regular intervals, they ended up on the winning side with four wickets in hand and an over to spare.