CPL 2021: Chris Gayle shatters glass with a straight six off Jason Holder

Chris Gayle, after missing the 2020 edition, has returned to take part in the 2021 edition of the Caribbean Premier League. The southpaw plied his trade for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in their match against Barbados Royals in the second of Thursday’s doubleheader at the Warner Park in St Kitts.

However, he could only manage 12 off nine balls with one four and one massive six. The Universe Boss, in the end, got out to Oshane Thomas, leaving the Patriots at 38 for three in 5.4 overs. However, even during his short stay in the middle, the left-handed Gayle managed to show his class.

In the fifth ball of the fifth over, Gayle smashed a huge six down the ground off opposition skipper Jason Holder. The batter gave himself room and carted the ball downtown. The ball sailed over the sightscreen and shattered the glass.

Here’s Chris Gayle’s video

The Patriots, who finished as the cellar dwellers in 2020, went on to win the game by 21 runs. Sherfane Rutherford, who got the Player of the Match award for his 43-ball 53, conjured praise from both skippers. Dwayne Bravo also had words of praise for Dominic Drakes, who picked up two crucial wickets and gave away only 13 runs from four overs in his spell.

“Not a bad bowling effort. Pretty good with the new ball. Oshane Thomas was brilliant. Probably gave 20 runs too many in the end. Bravo and Sherfane batted so well. It’s not a surprise to me (to see Oshane Thomas do well). We have seen what he can do. The powerplay is crucial. I thought we had a good powerplay. Two crucial runouts,” Holder said.

“I was just trying to play the ball on merit with a clear mind. Once we bat deep, we know we can capitalize. I will give a lot of credit to Sherfane for the way he batted. It’s the players, it’s the ability of the players to do well. He (Drakes) has the skills, he has the ability. I saw him in the nets. We know he is going to have a good future for West Indies,” Bravo said.