West Indies star batsman Chris Gayle was at his vintage best when he slammed his sixth Indian Premier League hundred - the most by any batsman - to power Kings XI Pubjab to a 15-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Soon after the win, Gayle and KXIP's co-owner and Bollywood actor Preity Zinta couldn't stop themselves from indulging in a Bhangra dance-off in front of their home crowd.
Chris Gayle and Preity ZInta.
Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab.
The flamboyant Gayle, dubbed as the 'Universe Boss', showed that he is far from finished en-route his unbeaten 63-ball-104 which was studded with 11 towering sixes and a solitary boundary.
Chris Gayle and Preity Zinta.
Gayle, arguably one of the greatest exponents of T20 batsmanship, slammed his ton against a bowling line-up that is being touted as the most balanced of all eight teams.
Chris Gayle
A cornered tiger can be dangerous and Gayle showed why he has taken the initial lack of interest of franchises to his heart. Each and every six was signature Gayle. Minimum footwork and maximum power behind the shots.
"A lot of people thought I'm too old. After this innings, I have nothing to prove. This hundred is dedicated to my daughter. Tomorrow is her birthday," Gayle said immediately after his knock.
Gayle moved to 99 with his 11th six hit off Bhuvneshwar Kumar over long-off. In Siddarth Kaul's next over, he dabbed the ball towards point to complete a quick single. As a mark of celebration, Gayle gestured rocking a baby in a cradle, with his wife and daughter in the VIP box.
Yuvraj Singh celebrates after Chris Gayle's hundred.
Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab.
The Sunrisers managed 178/4 in reply as they lost for the first time this tournament.
