Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– A blistering century by West Indies batsman Chris Gayle powered Barisal Burners to a 10-wicket victory against Sylhet Royals in the opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in the capital Dhaka.
Gayle, with the first century in the opening match of the first version of BPL T20 Cricket, inscribed his name in the record book of the tournament.
The Caribbean opener needed only 44 balls to complete his unbeaten 101 runs that featured seven fours and ten sixes, all square of the ground, to easily overhaul the competitive target of 166 runs, set earlier by Sylhet Royals.
Chris Gayle’s scintillating 101 not out came off only 44 deliveries studded with 10 sixers and 7 boundaries.
Brief Scorecards: Sylhet Royals: 165 for 4 in 20 overs. Peter Trego 62 off 57 balls (4X7, 6X1), Alok Kapali 56 off 36 balls (4X6, 6X2), Imrul Kayes 21 off 18 balls. Yasir Arafat 2/33, Shane Harwood 1/20, Suhrawardi Shuvo 1/23.
Barisal Burners: 167 for no loss in 13.1 overs. Chris Gayle 101 not out off 44 balls (4X7, 6X10), Ahmed Shehzad 56 not out off 35 balls, (4X9), 6X1).
BBN/SSR/AD-11Feb12-11:10 am (BST)
