Dhaka: Spurred on by a blistering century from Chris Gayle, Barisal Burners made a mockery of a target of 166 to power to a ten-wicket win over Sylhet Royals in the Bangladesh Premier League opener at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Gayle's unbeaten 101 from 44 balls in a thumping opening partnership with Ahmed Shehzad (56 not out off 35 balls)) made what had appeared a testing total into a walk in the park, as Barisal wrapped up the chase with almost six overs in hand.
Gayle launched into the Sylhet bowling from the start of his innings, targeting Rubel Hossain and Sohail Tanvir. No bowler was spared as Gayle sized up the line and length and swung his arms freely. Former New Zealand allrounder Scott Styris was the worst hit, conceding 27 runs in one over. In a 23-run over, Gayle also crashed Somerset allrounder Peter Trego for three sixes, each struck with immense power.The other bowlers to really suffer were Alok Kapali, whose solitary over cost 19, and Noor Hossain who conceded 19 runs in seven deliveries. Gayle hit the winning runs and with it brought up a whirlwind century, studded with seven fours and ten sixes.
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