Jamaican Chris Gayle is considered one of the most explosive batsmen in limited-overs cricket, with numerous records under his belt in all formats of the game. His free-stroking, aggressive style is ideal for fast-paced modern cricket. With a combination of outstanding hand-eye coordination and sheer strength, topped off with a side of bravado, he regularly smashes even perfect-length deliveries to the boundary.
Representing Chittagong Vikings in the Bangladesh Premier League, Gayle walked to the crease in a do-or-die eliminator against the Rajshahi Kings. Hitting a boundary and two sixes soon after coming to the crease, his confidence got the better of him as he slipped and twisted his back while attempting a sweep off Atif Hossain. Demonstrating quick thinking, he made sure to keep his back foot inside the crease, toppling to his side.
6.1 Atif Hossain to Chris Gayle, 0
However, he was not to be unfazed, as he quickly resumed business as usual with another towering six just two balls later.
6.6 Afif Hossain to Chris Gayle, SIX!
He took a supporting role for a few overs as Tamim Iqbal came into form.
7.6 Darren Sammy to Chris Gayle, 1
8.5 Farhad Reza to Chris Gayle, 0
Finally, returning to his trademark style, he began hard-hitting the Vikings bowling again.
9.5 Darren Sammy to Chris Gayle, Four!
10.2 James Franklin to Chris Gayle, SIX!
A lapse in judgement brought his rapid-fire 44 off 30 balls to an end as he holed out a full-toss from James Franklin to Farhad Reza.
10.4 James Franklin to Chris Gayle, OUT!
Scoring the majority of his runs off of 5 sixes and two boundaries, this is an attacking mindset we should see continue should the Kings progress to the Qualifiers.