Gayle scored the fastest century off just 30 balls yesterday, breaking Andrew Symonds’ previous record of 34 balls. PHOTO: BCCI
The world witnessed the most breathtaking knock in the history of Twenty20 cricket as Chris Gayle smashed an incredible 175 off just 66 balls to power Royal Challengers Bangalore to a record 130-run win over Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League (IPL) yesterday.
The West Indies star blasted the fastest century in all formats, off just 30 balls, and the highest-ever individual score in a T20 game, including 17 sixes and 13 boundaries. Gayle’s incredible blitz helped his side reach a mammoth first-innings total of 263 for five, the highest-ever in any T20 game.
Chasing a T20 world record target of 264, Pune could only manage to reach 133 for nine, paving the way for Bangalore to register the biggest IPL victory in terms of runs.
Gayle remained modest about his sensational effort, according to The Times of India.
“I’m lost for words,” he said. “It was just one of those days. It was a good wicket to bat on and I started off very well. I can’t say it’s only a decent total – it’s a good total.”
World salutes Gayle show
Gayle’s record-breaking knock drew praise from the sports world.
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was left stunned by the performance.
“Life is all about taking the right decisions and seeing Gayle bat today, I think I took the right decision of becoming a wicket keeper,” said Dhoni on Twitter.
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin joked about how cruel the innings was to watch for the bowlers.
“All the batsmen are happy tweeting about the massacre,” he said. “From a bowler’s perspective, bowling machines need to be an option too!”
The win saw Bangalore take top position in the IPL with 12 points from eight matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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@GhostRider: I rest my case, you endorsed my statement.
@Raj Kafir: Been there done that...remember Afridi scored 37 ball century on his debut against Srilanka...but we aren't taking anything away from Gayle he is indeed a masterclass
@TightPatloon: Because people in Pakistan actually watch IPL to the extent that PCB had to reschedule its matches as cable TV fellows forced them to...
Come on guys, it is only a game of cricket. Where is the sportsmanship ?
Anyone with little cricketing knowledge can tell you that IPL is all about entertainment there is no serious cricket in IPL. So tomorrow may be another batsmen can hit double hundred in IPL. We dont care.
@TightPatloon & @mystreeman: And you care enough to come here and post your comment, and your compatriots who pretend to ignore IPL make sure Chris Gayle, IPL and RCB remain on the top trend list on Twitter in Pakistan. Way to go on the road to enlightenment.
If Afridi had scored a 30 ball century in IPL the whole Pakistan would have gone crazy.
IPL is the WWE of cricket
who cares.....what is scored by home in the phony show of blatant commercialism!
no one watches IPL in Pakistan. Why put this news here.