'Gaylestorm' hits Dhaka: Chris Gayle smashes record 18 sixes in BPL match

A member of Rangpur Riders in BPL, Chris Gayle hit 146 off 69 balls with a record number of 18 sixes. He smashed his own record of 17 sixes in a T20 innings - hit for RCB in IPL 2013.

Courtesy: Twitter (@westindies)

Explosive Carribean Chris Gayle smashed 18 sixes in the title clash of Bangladesh Premier League on Tuesday. In the process, he broke close to half a dozen batting records.

Known for his unconventionally aggressive batting style, Gayle - a member of Rangpur Riders in BPL - hit 146 off 69 balls with a record number of 18 sixes. The previous record for the maximum number of sixes in a T20 match was also held by Gayle, when he had smashed 17 sixes for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors during Indian Premier League 2013.

On Tuesday night, Gayle lit up the Dhaka night sky with an innings that helped his team set a target of 207. En route, Gayle - who had a lightening strike rate of 211.59 in the innings - became the first to register 20 T20 centuries. He also crossed 11,000-run milestone in T20 cricket.

Rangpur Riders' 206/1 is the highest score in a T20 final. They won the match by 57 runs, and got hold of their first BPL title.

Here is a short video of the 'Gaylestorm':

Gayle Storm #BPL2017Final @henrygayle pic.twitter.com/8vLjX4s2UQ

— Nibraz Ramzan (@Nibrazcricket) December 12, 2017

Here are some of the reactions to the 'Gaylestorm' in Dhaka:

BPL final was @henrygayle show! Historic innings, treat to watch. Thank you Dhaka and Bangladesh for your love and support, memorable well organized tournament — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 12, 2017

Chris Gayle is asked if he considers himself Bradman of T20s or the greatest T20 batsman.

“No, I am actually the greatest batsman of all time,” he replies. — Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 12, 2017

Congrats Chris: 20th T20 century in BPL final. An amazing 146 not out with 18 sixes @henrygayle pic.twitter.com/0JahEAniuu

— CricketWestIndies (@westindies) December 12, 2017

A Gaylestorm has hit the @Official_BPLT20! What an innings from @henrygayle in the #BPL Final! pic.twitter.com/ypnea98h5S — ICC (@ICC) December 12, 2017

146 from 69 balls for Chris Gayle at the #BPL2017 final!! 18 Record Sixes!!! Here is a reminder of what he can do! #Gaylestorm pic.twitter.com/utCbV8hy23 — CPL T20 (@CPL) December 12, 2017