They started their IPL career playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. Both found their glory outside KKR. Today, one hit KKR out of Edens, while other scored his second century, after being the first centurion of IPL playing for KKR in IPL 2008. There were quick knocks by Russell and Dhoni, but the day saw two ex-KKR players playing 56 balls each and leading their respective teams to victories. Brendum McCullum and Gayle both earned MOM awards for the entertainment through collective 30 boundaries that include 16 sixes between them and 196 runs scored today.
Indian Premier League 2015: Schedule and Results
56-balls Each by McCullum and Gayle
Both started at their usual opening position for their respective teams. While CSK batted first and scored 209/4, McCullum played only 56 balls and completed his century on the last ball of the innings. His century was the 32nd century of IPL as CSK extended their record of 200+ team totals in IPL.
Gayle could have also scored his century on 56th ball, but instead his 6 was brought back into the ground by the fielder and the throw from boundary got him run out as he tried for a hurried 2nd run. He batted to chase KKRs 177/6. He was run out on 18.2 overs, 4 balls before his team completed the successful chase. He played 56 balls and scored 96 runs.
30 Boundaries Between Them
Brendum McCullum’s knock included 9 6s and 7 4s, while Gayle’s knock included 7 6s and 7 4s. McCullum found company in captain Dhoni who scored a quickfire 29-ball 53 runs with 4 6s and 4 4s but Gayle was not that lucky as only AB de Villiers (28) and captain Kohli (13) could reach double figures. As a result, Gayle did what he is generally not expected to do. He tried to take quick couples too and on one of those he was run out by a brilliant throw from boundary that came after the fielder has pulled inside the ball that was about to land for a six.
Earned MOMs
Both duly earned the Player of the Match awards for their respective winner teams. McCullum had gone for a duck in the first match against Delhi Daredevils, and compensated for his dismal show. Gayle has just started the season and going by this performance he appears set to break his past records of maximum runs in IPL.
Leave a Reply