Year in Review: Record makers of cricket in 2013

Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle smashed 175 not out in just 66 deliveries in the IPL

This man produced a show that was never seen before. He shattered the bowling attack like no batsman had before. It was dominance of the highest order on display at the Chinnaswamy stadium at Bangalore in the IPL game between the Pune Warriors and the Royal Challengers Bangalore this year. Gayle attacked from the beginning itself, and brought up his century in just 30 balls, the fastest century in the game, ever. He did not stop after that, going on to become the highest individual run-scorer in T20s, having reached 175 not out in just 66 deliveries. He hit 17 sixes, again a T20 world record, to take his team to the highest IPL and T20 total ever, a mammoth 263.

It was probably the most one-sided contest ever, and hardly ever was a match played that was so dominated by just one man. He even picked up 2 wickets in the single over that he bowled as Pune slumped to a 130 run defeat in a format that allows just 120 balls per side. This innings of his is very less likely to be bettered in the future in any IPL or international T20 game, unless he himself decides to do so.

You don’t see Chris Gayle animated or excited while he is batting. He is the calmest guy on the cricket field. He will hit a big six and just stand there as if nothing happened. The fielders and the crowd do the same, the former watching as the ball sails over them, the latter applauding and cheering him on.

Here’s Chris Gayle magnificent innings: