West Indian superstar Chris Gayle has become the first batsman to reach 10,000 runs in Twenty20 cricket as his Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Gujarat Lions in the IPL overnight.
Gayle top scored with 77 runs off 38 balls in a knock that included five boundaries and seven sixes to see him reach the milestone in his 290th Twenty20 match.
Gayle and Indian megastar Virat Kohli - the most successful opening partnership - combined for a 122-run opening stand that set the platform for Bangalore to reach 2/213 off their 20 overs. Australian Travis head chipped in with 30 runs off 16 deliveries.
In reply, former New Zealand captain Brendan McCullum did his best to replicate Gayle's efforts, top-scoring for his side with 72 off 44 balls as they reached 7/192 in their innings. Aaron Finch scored 19 off 15 balls.
But the night belonged to the controversial West Indian star, who admitted the milestone had been playing on his mind.
"Samuel Badree reminded me before the game and said 'Chris only three more runs to go, make sure you get it' so it was actually playing on my mind a bit," he said of the landmark.
"Once I crossed the line, I said: 'listen it's time to have a go and then it eventually paid off, so I am really happy to get the runs."
Gayle was brought in as a replacement for the injured AB de Villiers and said after the match that it was a privilege to be the first person to reach the milestone.
"People are still looking out for Chris Gayle. The universe boss is still here and still alive," he said.
"It was great fun. You know it's good to be back. I wanted this so badly, but first of all to get 10,000 runs, it was actually on my mind, so I'm glad to get that sort of achievement. It's a privilege to actually be the first person to get there. Hopefully I can continue entertaining the fans."
"I just want to thank the fans and all the franchises where I have actually played around the world. Even playing for West Indies as well. At the end of the day, they have actually played a part in this 10,000 runs as well.
"So, I want to thank all the franchises. It has been fantastic and like I said still I have a lot more to offer to the fans. Hopefully, I can keep entertaining and get a few more thousand runs under my belt."
