West Indian batsman Chris Gayle was in fine form as he hit four sixes in one over for Jamaica against Trinbago in the Caribbean Premier League.
Gayle’s unbeaten 108 of 54 balls helped Jamaica to a victory over Trinbago on Monday. It was as destructive an innings as it has become synonymous with Gayle in the shortest format of the game. But, it was in the 13th over that the crowd who were fortunate enough to pack the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad got the most value for their money.
Trinbago had earlier posted a score of 191 in their 20 overs, with South African opener Hashim Amla top-scoring for them with 74 off 52 balls. At the start of the 13th over of their chase, Jamaica were 112-2. Gayle and his West Indian teammate Andre Russell were at the crease. Another West Indian teammate Sulieman Benn was the unfortunate bowler.
The first ball of the over Gayle and Russell managed a rarity in T20 cricket as they completed three wides. The next ball Benn went full on off stump and Gayle’s mishit went all the way for six over long-on – testimony to the man’s power. Benn bowled a wide with the second ball and Gayle took a single with the next. As if sensing Gayle’s intentions, Russell rotated the strike with the third ball of the over. Benn did everything wrong when he offered Gayle a full toss and he cashed in, hitting the ball over deep mid-wicket into the parking lot for six. Benn missed his spot again with the next ball, and with a different ball Gayle achieved the same results – a six over deep mid-wicket. Benn had no place to hide, but one more ball to bowl in what would have been one of the longest overs he has bowled. Benn lazily bowled another full ball on off and Gayle continued with what had worked for him previously, and swung over the deep mid-wicket boundary for a maximum – his fourth of the over.
The Jamaica Tallawahs won by 7 wickets with 10 balls remaining.
Photo: Randy Brooks/Sportsfile
