'Broom's knock one of the best in T20 history'

Neil Broom, the Otago Volts batsman who blasted the first century of Champions League T20 this season to help his team beat Perth Scorchers, termed his unbeaten 56-ball 117 run knock as special one.

Talking to reporters after the match, the 29-year-old Christchurch batsman said that his recent stint with New Zealand 'A' has helped him.

"It was a special knock. I was here with New Zealand 'A' side but on this type of wicket and these conditions I feel it was special. We were stuck up a little after the fall of couple of early wickets but soon the momentum back," he said.

Asked if there was any plan to counterattack after those two early wickets, Broom said he played cautiously initially but soon got momentum going.

Team coach Vaun Johnson said he was pleased with Broom's effort.

"I feel it was one of the best knocks in T20 history. It was a very special effort. We had lost two early wickets and was not easy for him," said Johnson.

Perth Scorchers captain Simon Katich, on the other hand, said that his side buckled under the pressure of a huge target.

"We lost a few quick wickets and the pressure mounted on us. Despite that Hilton Cartwright played a good knock and did his bit," he said.

Praising the wicket, Katich said, "It had something for bowlers and batsmen too. It offered movement and the batsmen also could score on this surface."

Image: Neil Broom

Photograph: BCCI