IPL 8: Enjoy Batting with Dwayne Smith, Says Brendon McCullum

Chennai Super Kings explosive batsman Brendon McCullum said on Saturday that contrary to popular belief, he complements his opening partner Dwayne Smith rather than competing against the West Indian.

Chasing a stiff target of 184, the duo built a 109-run opening stand to set the foundation for the thumping six-wicket win on Friday night over the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium here. (Smith, McCullum Fire CSK to Third Straight Win)

"Some people say we compete against each other but we complement each other really well. We (have) got a good relationship on the field and also off it, get on really well and both our games support one another really well. So I enjoy batting with Smithy," McCullum was quoted as saying by iplt20.com.

Luding the Caribbean batsman, the New Zealand skipper said Smith was "sublime" in the contest. (Nehra Glad to Have Captain Dhoni's Faith)

"Dwayne Smith today was sublime all the way. He managed to hurt (the opposition) from the beginning. While chasing a big score like 180, we knew that the wicket was good but we had to play pretty well as well. The way Dwayne started, we could give ourselves a good foundation and then the class players came in towards the end," said the 33-year-old.

"(We) didn't really (plan). We knew that the wicket was good, that if we could strike the ball well, be reasonably positive, then we are going to give ourselves a good chance," said the New Zealander.

"We always try and play reasonably aggressively in this form of the game. Our role within the team is to get us off to a fast start and that's all we try and do. When it comes off, it obviously gives the team a really good foundation."