NEW DELHI: Chris Gayle etched his name in cricket history by scoring the first-ever century in T20 internationals during the opening match of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.
Facing South Africa on September 11, 2007, in Johannesburg, Gayle unleashed a stunning display of power-hitting, blasting 117 off just 57 balls.
His explosive innings featured 7 fours and 10 towering sixes, demonstrating the raw power and aggression that made him one of the most feared batsmen in T20 cricket.
At a time when T20 cricket was still evolving, Gayle’s century set the standard for the format’s future.
Opening for the West Indies, he took on the South African bowlers from the outset, propelling his team to a competitive total of 205/6 in their 20 overs at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Facing South Africa on September 11, 2007, in Johannesburg, Gayle unleashed a stunning display of power-hitting, blasting 117 off just 57 balls.
His explosive innings featured 7 fours and 10 towering sixes, demonstrating the raw power and aggression that made him one of the most feared batsmen in T20 cricket.
At a time when T20 cricket was still evolving, Gayle’s century set the standard for the format’s future.
Opening for the West Indies, he took on the South African bowlers from the outset, propelling his team to a competitive total of 205/6 in their 20 overs at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
AFP Photo
However, despite Gayle’s individual brilliance, South Africa mounted a strong response in the chase.
Herschelle Gibbs anchored the innings with a superb 90* off 55 balls, studded with 14 fours and 2 sixes, leading South Africa to an 8-wicket victory with 14 balls to spare.
Although West Indies lost, Gayle’s century earned him the Man of the Match award.
In his T20I career, Gayle played 79 matches, amassing 1,899 runs at an average of 27.92 and a strike rate of 137.50, including 124 sixes.
