OTD | Chris Gayle became the first player to hit a T20I century in 2007

Former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle is considered the brand ambassador of Twenty20 cricket. The Jamaican giant holds many records in the shortest format of the game, including most runs and centuries. Stand and deliver is his style, with which he can demolish any opponent on his day. 

The left-handed opener has accumulated 14562 T20 runs, having played over 460 matches between 2005 and 2022. His runs tally was boosted by 22 centuries, two of which were in international cricket. In fact, he is the first player to hit a century in this format – a feat he achieved in the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 in Johannesburg.

Known as “Universal Boss”, Gayle set the tone of 20-over cricket in the very first match of the inaugural T20 World Cup. The West Indies batting legend took the South African bowlers to the cleaners, scoring 117 off 57 balls with seven fours and 10 sixes.

Gayle continued his onslaught despite wickets falling 

Put to bat first by the hosts, the opening duo of Chris Gayle and Devon Smith provided an explosive start for the Caribbean side. They racked up 145 runs for the opening wicket in just 78 balls. Just when both of them looked set to take the game away from the opposition, Vernon Philander gave a breakthrough by removing Smith for 35 runs. 

Though Gayle laid a platform, none of the other batsmen could rise to the occasion as the Proteas bowlers forced the collapse. However, the southpaw stood tall and cruised to his maiden T20I century. His relentless hitting helped the Windies reach 205/6 in 20 overs. 

Herschelle Gibbs put in a scintillating show to give Proteas a thrilling win.

Chasing a competitive total, South Africa ensured they did not hesitate to give it back. It was Herschelle Gibbs who took the charge. He stitched a 54-run opening partnership with Graeme Smith and continued to thrash the Windies bowlers as the game progressed. 

Gibbs went berserk at the Wanderers Stadium as he smashed an unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes. He was well-supported by Justin Kemp, who scored 46* off 22 balls. The duo took South Africa over the line in just 17.4 overs.