Published By: Sanchari Das

On This Day (Sept 11): Chris Gayle's Century Sparks the First T20 World Cup

West Indies and South Africa delivered a high-scoring spectacle that electrified cricket fans in Johannesburg

Scoring a century in T20 cricket is a rare and remarkable achievement. The fast-paced, high-risk nature of the game makes it even more challenging. Chris Gayle, the former West Indies powerhouse, etched his name in history by smashing the first-ever T20 international century on this day.

It happened during the opening match of the inaugural T20 World Cup 2007. Facing hosts South Africa in Johannesburg, Gayle reached the milestone in just 50 balls. His explosive innings set the tone for the tournament and cemented his reputation as a T20 legend.

The beginning of a new era

The first-ever T20 World Cup kicked off with a bang. West Indies and South Africa delivered a high-scoring spectacle that electrified cricket fans in Johannesburg. Armed with placards and cheers, the crowd watched as bowlers faced relentless punishment. 

South Africa put West Indies to bat, and the Caribbean openers, Chris Gayle and Devon Smith, didn't disappoint. They tore into the bowlers, with the run rate soaring higher each over. Their explosive partnership of 145 runs in just 78 balls set the stage for an unforgettable tournament opener.

Gayle's brilliance and South Africa's key breakthroughs

Vernon Philander's medium pace provided South Africa with a crucial breakthrough. He dismissed Devon Smith for 35 off 34 balls. But Chris Gayle was unstoppable. He blazed to his T20I hundred, ending his innings with 117 runs from just 57 balls, including seven fours and ten towering sixes.

Gayle fell for the third wicket, with the score at 178. However, the rest of the West Indies batters couldn't capitalise, and the team finished at 205/6 in 20 overs. South Africa's van der Wath (2/33) and Philander (2/35) emerged as the most effective bowlers.

South Africa's epic run chase

Chasing a daunting target of 206, South Africa ensured their fans got a thrilling show. Opener Graeme Smith (28) and Herschelle Gibbs set the tone with a brisk start, adding 54 runs in just 32 balls before Smith was dismissed. Gibbs, however, looked increasingly dangerous as the innings progressed.

 AB De Villiers chipped in with a quick 16 off nine balls, and Justin Kemp's unbeaten 46 off 22 balls provided the final push. Gibbs remained unbeaten on 90 off 55 balls, steering South Africa to 208/2 in just 17.4 overs, sealing a spectacular win.

The prolific journey in T20 cricket

Despite West Indies losing the match, Gayle was named player of the match for his outstanding batting performance, and his century marked the beginning of a legendary T20 journey. Over the years, Gayle's reputation in white-ball cricket soared. He became a sought-after player in top T20 leagues globally, including stints with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, and Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. 

The significant Jamaican is the most prolific T20I player ever, with 1,899 runs, two centuries, and 14 fifties in 79 international matches. Though once the first to reach 1,000 T20I runs, others like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and AB de Villiers have since surpassed him. But Gayle's impact remains unparalleled.

Unmatched records in T20

Gayle's T20 cricket statistics are nothing short of staggering. In 463 matches, he amassed 14,562 runs at an average of 36.22. His record comprises 22 centuries and 88 half-centuries, with an unbeaten 175* as his highest score. By securing the record for the most runs and centuries in T20 cricket, Gayle has firmly established himself as the most exceptional player. 

The way he effortlessly outperforms bowlers from all corners of the world has solidified his status as an esteemed figure in the cricketing world, especially in the abbreviated format of the sport.