West Indies and Kings XI Punjab star batsman Chris Gayle reached a record 1000 T20 sixes after a scintillating performance against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020 on Friday.
Gayle reached the mark in 66 deliveries, with the record boundary coming from the bowling of Jofra Archer. The record was just the latest in a long list of achievements for the 41-year-old batsman. Gayle has scored the most runs in T20 cricket, has the highest score (175), most sixes in an innings (18), and the fastest 100. He has also hit the most fours.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) season began in disappointing fashion for the West Indian after being left out of the team’s line-up for the first seven games. Since returning to the line-up, however, he has been a revelation for Kings XI who moved from the bottom of the table back into playoff contention with five straight wins.
There was a little bit of disappointment for Gayle, however, as he was bowled on 99 by Archer, falling one run short of his 7th IPL 100. The team ended on 185 for 4, which Rajasthan will chase to win.
“I’m just happy the hard work and dedication has paid off over the years and I’m still here still doing it. I’m very grateful for that to be honest,” Gayle said.
“To all the guys that I promised a century today, I missed out but that a century for me, I score 100 today.”