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 reply, Pakistan were struggling at 173/6 in 38 overs at the time of going to print. Shoaib Malik was batting on 17 and Abdul Razzaq on 3.

New Zealand, who lost the first match by 138 runs, had McCullum to thank for repairing the innings after Aaron Redmond (six) fell in the sixth over, caught off paceman Mohammad Aamer. He steadied the innings, driving and cutting with authority during his 129-ball knock. He was finally dismissed in the 47th over, bowled off an inside edge by Umar Gul.

Brief scores: New Zealand 303/8 (B McCullum 131, M Guptill 62; S Afridi 2/49, U Gul 2/59, A Razzaq 2/60)