CPL 2021: Odean Smith breaks Chris Gayle’s bat into two halves

Prior to the 2021 CPL, Chris Gayle returned to his old franchise St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for whom he last played in 2018. This time around, he mostly opened the batting alongside Evin Lewis, their leading run-scorer in the ongoing edition. In the semi-final against Guyana Amazon Warriors, Gayle looked at his very best as he mustered a 27-ball 42 with the help of five fours and three sixes.

But amidst his knock, a bizarre incident happened. In the second ball of the fourth over during the Patriots’ run-chase, Odean Smith divided Gayle’s bat into two halves. Smith bowled a good-length ball and Gayle tried to smash the ball through the off-side region for a scorching four.

However, the southpaw broke his bat in the process. Simon Doull, who was commentating, made some hilarious remarks on the occurring. Gayle was batting on six off 10 when his bat broke. Thereafter, with his new bat, Gayle found momentum and scored 36 off the next 17 balls.

Here’s the video involving Smith and Chris Gayle

Batting malFUNction for @henrygayle #GAWvSKNP #CPL21 #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport pic.twitter.com/kuPgIs7DuY

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 14, 2021

The Patriots went on to chase down 179 with 13 balls to spare and will now face Saint Lucia Kings in the final on Wednesday at the Warner Park. Dwayne Bravo, their skipper, was happy after his team made the final.

“We have a lot of experience in our group. It helps. We wanted to bowl first, and we knew they wanted to bat first. It was important to bowl well. At the halfway mark, we were happy. It was a good day with the bowling group,” Bravo said.

“Apart from one or two overs and that happens when you play against good sides. When I made a change (to Patriots), I wanted a challenge. I wanted to help the younger players develop and build a team that can win a trophy. Now we have one game to do it,” he added.

Lewis, who became the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 39-ball 77, told how Bravo advised him to bat deep and take his team home.

“I wanted a rest (in the previous game) and wanted to come back fresh. It helps having Gayle as we both like to go after it from the start. He (Bravo) told me to bat deep and ensure that I finish the match,” Lewis stated.