Gayle was bowled by Jofra Archer on 99 during KXIP and RR's clash on Friday.
T20 great Chris Gayle missed out on his seventh IPL hundred when Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) clashed on Thursday. Gayle completed his 1000 sixes in T20 career but fell one-run short of a hundred.
It was RR's bowling spearhead Jofra Archer who bowled Gayle on 99 in the final over of KXIP's innings as they finished on 185/4. The southpaw was upset with the dismissal. He even showed disappointment by throwing his bat after getting out, for which he got fined.
In his 99-run innings, the Caribbean star batsman hit 8 sixes and 6 fours while batting with a strike-rate of 157.14. "It was a good knock, I thought 180 is a good total and it's a good wicket. It will get better in the second innings," he told the host broadcasters during the mid innings break.
Gayle wants to get the IPL trophy this season and he knows there's still a long way to go for it. "Getting out on 99 is unfortunate, these things will happen but it was a good ball, still feeling good."
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"To be honest, it's all about the mental aspect of my game and that's what keeps me going. I'm enjoying the cricket the same way. I'd love to have the IPL trophy under my belt, but still a long way to go."
"It's an important game for us. Want to win this. I've been having fun out there batting with youngsters and it's a good thing. I don't know the record (about the 1000 sixes), I'm still hitting it well. The hard work and dedication over the years have paid off."
The 41-year-old ended his interview by making everyone laugh. He said it's still a hundred in his mind, and not 99. "To the guys who I promised to get a century, I missed out today but in my mind, it's a century," he signed off.
Unfortunately, Gayle's knock ended on the losing side after Rajasthan Royals chased down the target with 7 wickets in hand and 15 balls left. It also broke their 5-match winning streak this season.
Ben Stokes was picked as the Man of the Match for his all-round performance. He scored 50 off 26 deliveries and picked two wickets.
(With ANI Inputs)