OTD 2015: Chris Gayle slammed double century in ODI World Cup

Chris Gayle was one of the most formidable batters of his era. On his day, he could make world-class attacks look pedestrian with his effortless ball striking. He also had unmatched power, clearing the biggest boundaries in world cricket with utmost ease. Gayle is a two-time T20 World Cup winner and a behemoth in the shortest format. However, his excellence in T20 cricket often overshadows his exemplary records in ODIs and Tests.

The leading run-scorer in T20 cricket amassed 7214 runs from 103 Tests at an average of 42.18. In ODIs, he aggregated 10,480 runs at an average of 37.83. During the 2015 ODI World Cup, Gayle created history as he became the first to score a double century in the tournament’s history.

The ‘Universe Boss’ achieved this feat at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on February 24, 2015. Zimbabwe were on the receiving end of the ‘Gayle Storm’. Dwayne Smith was dismissed off the second ball of the match by Tinashe Panyangara. However, the African nation went on a leather hunt thereafter.

Marlon Samuels joined Gayle in the middle, and the duo slammed a record-shattering 372-run stand. While Samuels took his time in the middle and played the anchor’s role, there were no half measures from the big Jamaican. Gayle pulverised the inexperienced Zimbabwean bowlers, making the Manuka Oval look puny by hitting 16 massive sixes. He also hit 10 boundaries during a knock of 215 off 147 balls. He was eventually dismissed by Hamilton Masakadza off the last delivery of the innings. The left-handed batter finished with a magnificent strike rate of 146.25.

Samuels, on the other hand, finished not out on 133 after facing 156 balls. He hit 11 fours and three sixes during his controlled innings. The right-handed batter had the best seat in the house to enjoy Gayle’s batting display, which epitomised brute force.

In reply, Brendan Taylor made a decent contribution before Sean Williams and Craig Ervine slammed enterprising half-centuries. However, it only delayed the inevitable, as the Chevrons were bowled out for 289 in 44.3 overs. Jerome Taylor and Jason Holder bagged three wickets apiece. However, the man of the moment, Gayle, also chipped in with two wickets during his six-over spell.

The West Indies won the match by 73 runs (via DLS method), and Gayle won the Player of the Match award. He got to his double century off just 138 balls, and it was the quickest in ODI cricket at the time. Currently, the record is held by Ishan Kishan, who smashed a double century off just 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022.

“When you work hard, then you start to see the results. Glad I was able to produce the goods today and score my first ODI double century,” Gayle said after the match.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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