Abu Dhabi, Nov. 6: Opener Brendon McCullum returned to form with a brilliant hundred to guide New Zealand to an imposing 303/8 in the second day-night international against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi Stadium here on Friday.

The 27-year-old right-handed batsman scored 131 for his second one-day hundred and added 126 for the second wicket with Martin Guptill (62) after New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat in a must-win match.

New Zealand, who lost the first match by 138 runs to trail 1-0 in the three-match series, had McCullum to thank for repairing the innings after Aaron Redmond (6) fell in the sixth over, caught off paceman Mohammad Aamir.

Stripped of vice-captaincy to allow him to concentrate on batting form last month, McCullum steadied the innings, driving and cutting with authority during his 129-ball knock. He hit 14 boundaries and three sixes.

Guptill, declared New Zealand’s best one-day player last month, also matched his partner shot for shot, hitting five boundaries and two sixes during his 70-ball knock before holing out to paceman Abdul Razzaq. Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi, man-of-the-match in Pakistan’s 138-run win in the first match, dismissed Ross Taylor without scoring before Scot Styris (9) was run out as Pakistan hit back to reduce their rivals to 160/4. — AFP