Until yesterday, the Black Caps offspinner had never taken a five-wicket bag in a one-day match. But the 30-year-old put that record right with a superb display of slow bowling in helpful conditions at Fitzherbert Park in Palmerston North.
He played the starring role in Central Districts' demise, exploiting the conditions magnificently and taking five for 39 from 10 overs.
Chasing a competitive total of 232, the home side lost five quick wickets and was bowled out for 189.
Central had been well-placed at 47 without loss when McCullum struck, removing George Worker with a catch off his own bowling.
Peter Ingram got a tickle through to the keeper a couple of overs later and, when McCullum trapped the experienced Mathew Sinclair leg before wicket, the custard was starting to set.
McCullum had the ball on a string by then. On an abrasive surface, he was able to get the ball to bite and turn and struck another two quick blows. Tim Weston holed out and Jacob Oram was also trapped in front.
Having slumped from 47 without loss to 93 for five, further calamity awaited Central, when its captain Jamie How was run out needlessly.
Wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk (34) forged useful partnerships with Kieran Noema-Barnett (19) and Tarun Nethula (23 not out). But when he succumbed on 34, the cause quickly unravelled.
McCullum's five-wicket haul surpassed his previous best of three for 21 and Otago coach Mike Hesson was quick to praise his all-rounder.
"They have a very good batting side," Hesson explained.
"So against that attack, it would have to rate as one of the best performances he has put in for Otago. He bowled in three spells and got the first five wickets. He was superb".
McCullum (33) also played a valuable role with the bat, combining with Darren Broom (63) in a 70-run stand for the fifth wicket, which proved to be the decisive partnership in the match.
"That partnership really got us back in the game." Hesson said.
"That got us into a position where we could get a good score."
Hesson felt 232 was a good score on a tired pitch which was keeping low.
Otago lost strike bowler Neil Wagner midway through his fourth over when he split the webbing on his bowling hand when attempting to field the ball.
"It was a pretty decent sort of a cut," Hesson said when asked how long Wagner would be out.
"I guess it depends on whether they glue it or stitch it. But it came at a pretty bad time, because he was bowling superbly."
In Wagner's absence, fellow lefty Craig Smith took up the slack, taking three for 36 from seven overs.
"Craig Smith bowled well into the wind. It is a tough task and you don't get a lot of reward in the figures column. But he got a personal best with the ball and helped set the tone for us."
