‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle reached another milestone in the T20 format, this time getting past the 14,000-run mark. He achieved the feat against Australia in the third T20I held in Gros Islet, St. Lucia. West Indies went on to win the match comfortably and thereby gaining an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
Chasing a modest target of 142, West Indies had a poor start losing Andre Fletcher in the first over. In walked Chris Gayle whose spot in the team was under scrutiny. He answered his critics in his inimitable style, smacking seven sixes in a fun-filled 38-ball 67. His voluptuous innings resulted in an easy victory for the Windies, reaching home with over 30 balls to spare.
The Universe Boss is the first person to reach the milestone of 14,000 T20 runs! 🙌🏾#MissionMaroon #WIvAUS 🏏🌴 pic.twitter.com/vOluiRKe7W
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 13, 2021
During the knock, Chris Gayle breached the 14,000-run mark in his T20 career, becoming the very first to do so. In a format where a batsman barely gets to play 35+ balls, this comes as an incredible achievement for the big man. He already holds the record for having the most number of centuries. While he sits at the top with 22 hundreds, the next best is a mere 8 scored by David Warner.
He went on to win the player of the match award for his efforts. Although Gayle usually opens the innings, he has been tried at No.3 for a while now and it has worked well so far. West Indies would be hoping he continues to enthrall the fans until the T20 World Cup later this year.
At the age of 42, Chris Gayle turned the clocks back and gave a glimpse of his yesteryear self. The fans were left in awe of his longevity and also praised him for his showmanship. He is often called the greatest batsman of the T20 format, and rightfully so.
Here are some of the reactions to Chris Gayle’s achievement:
14,000 T20 Runs Scored By The Universe Boss @henrygayle 😍🤩 Still A Beast At The Age Of 41🔥
T20 🐐 🙏❤ pic.twitter.com/23a5URTDfU— Sushobit Sarkar (@Sushobit_Sarkar) July 13, 2021
Chris Gayle amazing! 14,000 T20 runs! The first batsman to reach the feat! Incredible player. All these years and he’s honestly still so exciting to watch. Universe Boss things! #WIvAUS
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) July 13, 2021
From a total of 431 T20 matches(423 innings), #Gayle has smashed 14038* runs in T20 cricket (T20i + IPL + all other T20 leagues across the world)
FIRST EVER to 14K+
Average 37.63
Strike Rate 146.18
22 100s, 87 50s
1083 4s, 1028 6s
Highest 175*#Legend #UniverseBoss @henrygayle— Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) July 13, 2021
The Greatest T20 Batsmen ever @henrygayle 🐐 pic.twitter.com/2jP6Aki1CI
— ☬ADITHYA☬ (@AdityaMb_4005) July 13, 2021
14000 T20 runs & counting for Chris Gayle. He's nearly 42 but hasn't stopped hitting big sixes. Hit 7 huge sixes in the 3rd T20 v Australia. Gayle has 22 T20 tons & has hit 1028 sixes in 423 innings! That's crazy. T20 superstar for a reason @henrygayle
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) July 13, 2021
Chris Gayle is phenomenal, even in his poor form he can bring fear in opposition at any stage of the match and that is the impact of Gayle at the age of 42. Clearly age is just a number.
— Bhawana (@bhawnakohli5) July 13, 2021
https://twitter.com/SounakManna7/status/1414812357134405632?s=20
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