Bit-hitting West Indies opener Chris Gayle has dedicated his world-record feat of scoring the fastest-ever century in competitive cricket to fans in the Caribbean.
The strapping Jamaican established a series of records on way to an undefeated 175 off a mere 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in a T20 League match on Tuesday.
Gayle recorded the fastest 50 in IPL history, fastest 100 in T20 history and the highest individual score in T20 format.
"I had a chance to speak with Chris via social media after the game and he wanted me to let the fans in the Caribbean know that he was dedicating the knock to them," president of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), Wavell Hinds, was quoted as saying in the media.
"He told me that it was very rewarding to see the positive early reactions to his innings from the regional supporters."
Gayle's innings, which included a staggering 17 sixes and 13 fours, paved the way for RCB to complete a massive 130-run win, the biggest in T20 history.
"I am sure that we speak for all true fans of West Indies cricket when we say that his innings will go down as the greatest in the brief history of T20 cricket," said Hinds.
{{/usCountry}}"I am sure that we speak for all true fans of West Indies cricket when we say that his innings will go down as the greatest in the brief history of T20 cricket," said Hinds.
{{/usCountry}}"We wish him continued success, for the remainder of the T20 tournament, and certainly hope that he will bring his current form to the ICC Champions Trophy later this year."