Chris Gayle retirement: Universe Boss bids adieu to List A cricket

Chris Gayle retirement: The Universe Boss scored a match-winning century in his last List A game for Jamaica against Barbados.

In which was Chris Gayle’s last List A game for Jamaica, the 39-year old put curtains on a two-decade career with a match-winning century against Barbados in a Super50 match at Kensington Oval,  Barbados.

Gayle was earlier given the reigns of the team for his last match as regular captain Nikita Miller played as a specialist bowler. On the special occasion, Gayle was given a ‘Guard of Honour’ from both his and the opposition team.

Shamarh Brooks, captain of Barbados, had won the toss and chose to field. Opening the batting with wicket-keeper batsman Chadwick Walton, Gayle saw his team being reduced to 2-21 in the sixth over. It was at this point in time that, Gayle and Andre McCarthy (48) stitched a 131-run stand for the third wicket.

Gayle was his usual self throughout his innings, scoring a hard-hitting 122 (114) with the help of 10 fours and eight sixes. On the back of his innings, his team scored 226-10 in 47.4 overs. Having bundled out the opposition for 193 in 47.5 overs, Jamaica secured a 33-run victory.

As unusual as it sounds, Gayle bowled his full quota of overs, registering bowling figures of 10-0-31-1. The all-round performance earned Gayle the ‘Man of the Match’ award.

Speaking after the match, Gayle disclosed his intentions of playing a four-day match for Jamaica anytime soon. “It’s possible that I’ll play a four-day game at Sabina Park. If possible, I will definitely play a four-day game. I don’t know when it starts but I’ll look into the schedule and make myself available,” Gayle was quoted.

Gayle was pleased at him scoring a hundred and leading the side in his last game. “It’s very pleasing to get a hundred in my last 50-over game for Jamaica, it’s something I will always cherish. To lead the team to a win makes it more special. It’s been a pleasure representing my country, more so captaining them. I’m thankful and grateful to be standing here aged 39 and still get a century in my last game for Jamaica,” the southpaw added.

Read some of the recent Twitter reactions on Gayle below: