On This Day in 2007: Chris Gayle smashed historic 100 in inaugural T20 World Cup's opening match

On 11th September 2007, former legendary West Indies batter Chris Gayle introduced himself to the world and announced his arrival in the shortest format. Taking on South Africa in the very first game of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, the West Indies and South Africa engaged in a game for the ages. 

The clash began with the Windies batting first, and as Gayle opened the innings, the ace batter did not have any problems with thrashing the Proteas’ bowling attack, launching the ball into the stands for fun. Gayle helped kick off the T20 World Cup 2007 in style. 

Opening the innings, Gayle scored 117 runs in 57 deliveries, smashing seven fours and 10 sixes. It is worth noting that the score of 117 runs and 10 sixes stood as a world record for several years before it was broken by Brendon McCullum and Richard Levi in 2012.

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Gayle’s knock of 117 runs was followed by Devon Smith scoring 35 runs in 34 deliveries. Furthermore, Marlon Samuels and Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored six and 11 runs, respectively. Ramnaresh Sarwan added 12 runs on the board as the West Indies posted a total of 205 runs in the first innings. 

As for South Africa, Vernon Philander and Johan van der Wath were the highest wicket-takers, with two wickets each to their name. Shaun Pollock and Morne Morkel took one wicket each as well. 

After the Gayle storm in the first innings, it was then the Proteas’ turn to pull off a record chase. The side opened the innings with Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs scoring 28 and 90* runs, respectively. Furthermore, AB de Villiers and Justin Kemp scored 16 and 46* runs, respectively, as South Africa managed to chase down the mammoth target in 17.4 overs, winning the game by eight wickets and getting the T20 World Cup 2007 to a perfect start.