I’m greatest batsman of all time, says Chris Gayle

12/14/2017

Chris Gayle has named himself as the "greatest batsman of all time" after smashing an unbeaten 146-run knock off 69 balls in the final of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). His fifth century in the T20 tournament helped Rangpur Riders win the final against favorites Dhaka Dynamites.

Gayle continued his blistering form in the BPL on Wednesday when his ton, which included 18 sixes, saw Rangpur post a mammoth target of 206/1. He was supported by former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum, who was happy to play the second fiddle. In response, Dhaka could muster a paltry total 149/9 in return. Gayle was his usual pompous self upon reaching his 20th century overall in the shortest version of the game.

“I would put it in the top five, certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

"It is a big game, a big occasion to actually stand out and get a century in a final. You actually look back and say well done. You tap yourself on the back. It is a winning effort as well, which makes it more special for me. So I am glad that we came out on top. I would put it in the top five [among T20 centuries], certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there."

When asked if he was the Don Bradman of T20s, he responded with his usual swagger, “I’m the greatest batsman of all time…."

After losing Jonathan Charles early in the game, Gayle revealed that he and McCullum had decided to bat as deep as possible. Even Dhaka’s biggest weapon, Sunil Narine, couldn’t come in handy and Gayle revealed that it was all team’s plan.

“It was important for one of us to bat right through the innings. It actually set the momentum for us,” said Gayle.