#OTD IN 2007: Chris Gayle hit the first-ever hundred in T20Is

Chris Gayle (PC: Twitter)

On this day, fifteen years ago, the swashbuckling batter Chris Gayle became the first centurion in the T20I format. He achieved this momentous feat in the T20 World Cup 2007 opener between West Indies and South Africa. 

Chris Gayle powers West Indies to a strong total

Invited to bat first, Gayle provided an electrifying start to the Caribbean team, by breaching the mark of 50 runs in the powerplay overs. He was well supported by Devon Smith at the other end. 

Gayle unleashed his mayhem after the fielding restrictions were lifted as well, with his remarkable shots all around the park. The audiences were left in awe of the emergence of Gayle, as a prolific batter in the shortest format. 

In the 17th over, Gayle finished his innings on 117 off 57 balls, and also became the first player to hit a century in T20Is. The Caribbean team ended on 205/6, while Johan van der Wath and Vernon Philander scalped two wickets apiece for the Proteas. 

Herschelle Gibbs inspires South Africa to a victory

Herschelle Gibbs (PC: Twitter)

In response to the chase, skipper Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs provided a quickfire start, which was in-line with their opposition. The dismissals of Smith (28) and AB de Villiers (16) were a setback for South Africa, but Gibbs continued his momentum. 

Gibbs hammered shots with ferocious power to remain unbeaten on 90 off 55 balls, while Justin Kemp blasted his way to 46* off 22. The duo added 120 runs for the third wicket to help the team in chasing down the score, with more than two overs to spare. 

Read more: Amy Jones proud of her team’s victory against India