Xtra Time Web Desk: Chris Gayle was at his destructive best as he blazed his way to 99 runs to help Kings XI Punjab post a daunting total of 185/4 against Rajasthan Royals in Match 50 of IPL 2020 at Abu Dhabi on Friday.
The former West Indies captain was denied his 23rd T20 ton when he was bowled by Jofra Archer off the fourth ball of the last over.
During his 63 balls knock Gayle hit six fours and eight sixes on his way to 99. He surpassed 1,000 sixes in the shortest format of the game. He was involved in a 120-run stand with KL Rahul for the second wicket before a 41-run stand with Nicholas Pooran, in which the latter did much of the scoring.
As far as his record is concerned, Universe Boss is miles ahead of other players in the list. The second most sixes is struck by Mumbai Indian’s Keiron Pollard with 690 hits over the boundary, while Brendon McCullum has 485 to his name. The closest Indian to this record is Rohit Sharma with 376 sixes.
After his innings, Gayle said, “It was a good knock. I thought 180 is a good total. The wicket is good, and it will get better in the night. Getting out on 99 is unfortunate, but I have been there and done that.
Talking about the Jofra Archer ball that got him out, he said, “It was a good ball. This happens.”
It seems like he wasn’t even aware of the record. “Oh 1000 maximums? Another record. Still have to be hitting it well at the age of 41. Got to give thanks for that. To those who wanted a century, I am sorry I missed out today, but in my mind it is a century, all right?”