It was raining sixes in Dhaka on Tuesday. When Rangpur Riders locked horns with Dhaka Dynamites at Bangladesh Premier League, it turned into a Chris Gayle storm on the field. The explosive Jamaican batsman took the bowlers to the cleaners
During the record-breaking innings of 18 sixes and 5 fours, Gayle scored 146* off just 69 deliveries and took Riders to a total of 206/1 in 20 overs. Dynamites failed to chase the huge target and saw their rivals lifting the trophy.
Speaking on his batting effort, the southpaw said the innings was special as it helped in the winning cause. He said, “It is a big game, a big occasion to actually stand out and get a century in a final. You actually look back and say well done. You tap yourself on the back. It is a winning effort as well, which makes it more special for me.”
Gayle further shared that it was one of the best T20 innings of his career for him, he said, “So I am glad that we came out on top. I would put it in the top five (among T20 centuries), certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there.”
The Windies batsman pointed out that after Johnson Charles’s dismissal, it was important for him to stick around. He said, “They (Dhaka Dynamites) started well. We lost Charles a bit early. We had to give ourselves a chance to bat as deep as possible. It was important for one of us to bat right through the innings. It actually set the momentum for us.”
Gayle along with his partner Brendon McCullum played out the remaining overs as the duo went on to add 201 runs to the total after Charles wicket. Talking about the unbroken partnership, the Jamaican said, “Turning over the strike was always going to be important. I thought we did a fantastic job – myself and McCullum. We worked out what to do in the middle, which bowler to take down, and when.”
He further added, “When we arrived in Bangladesh, everyone was so excited to see Gayle and McCullum. It didn’t happen early on in the tournament, but I am glad it happened when it mattered. It is not about trying to outdo each other. The communication and understanding were very good.”