Punjab Kings’ top-order batsman Chris Gayle became the first cricketer to hit 350 sixes in IPL history as PK beat Rajasthan Royals on Monday.
The ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle never seems to lose touch when it comes to T20 cricket. The star batsman from the Caribbean continued his scintillating form in the Indian Premier League 2021 season, as he smashed 40 runs in 29 balls in the first game of the season for Punjab Kings. The left-handed batsman started in supreme form as he struck bowlers all around the park on a consistent basis.
Throughout his entertaining innings, the legendary batsman smashed four fours and two towering sixes scoring at a strike rate of 142.86. Gayle’s innings came to an end when he was deceived by spinner Riyan Parag. The southpaw mistimed the ball, hitting it straight towards long-on, where all-rounder Ben Stokes pulled off a stunning catch to get rid of the dangerous Gayle.
Gayle also achieved a historical record in the match, as he took his tally past 350. He became the only player in history to reach the mark in IPL and as the stats suggest, no one is even close to the big man’s numbers.
Gayle currently has 351 sixes in 133 IPL matches, and AB de Villiers, with 237 sixes in 177 games, is well and truly far behind him at the 2nd place in the elite list. MS Dhoni has smashed 216 sixes so far, whereas Mumbai Indians’ skipper Rohit Sharma has 214 sixes to his name. RCB skipper Virat Kohli has thus far hit 201 sixes in the marquee league.
Gayle came out to bat at no. 3 for Punjab, whereas Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul opened the innings. Trying to smack Chetan Sakariya out of the park, Mayank edged one straight to the keeper. Post that, Gayle stepped on to the ground and showed glimpses of his class and brute force that he possesses.
