Caribbean southpaw Chris Gayle turns 40 on Saturday. Born on September 21, 1979, the left-handed batsman is an explosive hitter and has been a nightmare for the bowlers throughout his career. The self-proclaimed Universe Boss has demolished many great bowling line-ups over the years and has the ability to clear any boundary with ease. The Jamaica-born batsman has proved his mettle in T20 leagues all over the world and is a global superstar. Known for his blitz in franchise cricket, Gayle has staggering numbers at the international level as well. In fact, the veteran is the only batsman to register a triple century in Tests, a double ton in ODIs and a century in T2OIs. CPL 2019: Chris Gayle's 22nd T20 Hundred in Vain as St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Chase Down Huge Target Against Jamaica Tallawahs.

The dasher made his international debut way back in September 1999 and is not finished even after two decades. The veteran might be in the twilight of his career but nothing can deny his massive contribution towards West Indies cricket. Known for his gigantic hitting, the left-handed batsman has played 103 Tests in which he has accumulated 7215 runs. In ODIs, the batsman featured in 300 matches and amassed 10480 runs, which is the highest number of runs for any Caribbean batsman in this format. Gayle has also played 58 T20Is in which he scored 1627 runs and played a vital role in guiding the Men in Marron to the ICC World T20 title in 2012 and 2016. Cricket Week Recap: From Chris Gayle’s Mayhem to Jofra Archer’s Match-Winning Spell to Mohammad Nabi’s Blitz, A Look at Finest Individual Performances.

Gayle’s aggressive hitting has stunned many bowlers in the past and the stalwart has registered a record-breaking 534 sixes in international cricket. Any batsman in the world can boast of these jaw-dropping international records. However, it’s the T20 leagues around the world, which has given Gayle such name and fame. The batsman has featured in 391 T20 matches, in which he scored over 13,000 runs which include 22 centuries as well. So, on the occasion of Gayle’s 40th birthday, let’s focus on five of the best innings played by the Universe Boss.

333 Against Sri Lanka in Galle

Remember when Chris Gaye used to don jersey number 333 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru? Well, the reason is this innings. The southpaw played a marathon innings in the first Test of West Indies’ 2010 Tour of Sri Lanka. The batsman displayed great temperament in the spin-friendly Galle pitch and registered a magnificent triple ton. Unfortunately, the match got affected by rain and resulted in a tie.

215 Against Zimbabwe in Canberra

West Indies had a poor outing in the 2015 World Cup. However, Gayle played a splendid innings and registered his name in the record books. Playing against Zimbabwe, the veteran rained fours and sixes and became the first player to register an ODI double century in World Cups. Courtesy Gayle’s brilliance, West Indies piled up 372 in the first innings and later won the match by 73 runs.

100 Against England in Mumbai

The veteran has aged like fine wine and got better with time. In the match against England in ICC World T20 2020, Gayle toiled the opposition bowlers and set the tone of the tournament. Chasing a total of 182, the left-handed batsman registered his second T20I century and guided West Indies to a thumping victory by six-wickets. Gayle also bagged the Man of the Match award and later West Indies lifted the title as well.

175 Against Pune Warriors India in Bengaluru

The fans witnessed something extra-ordinary when Royal Challengers Bengaluru locked horns with Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013. Gayle started his mayhem in the first ball and the tale of tumbling records went underway. Gayle registered the fastest T20 century off just 30 balls and later recorded the highest individual total in the shortest format of the game. RCB piled up 263 runs in the first innings and later won the match by 130 runs.

162 Against England in Grenada

The 4th ODI of England’s 2019 Tour of West Indies was an absolute feast for the cricket fans as the Grenada Stadium witnessed some great hitting. Chasing a target of 418 runs, Chris Gayle looked like a man on a mission and took the attack on the opposition. The dasher scored 162 off 97 deliveries before falling prey to Ben Stokes. However, the effort went in vain as the hosts fell short of the target by 29 runs.

The star batsman is currently participating in the Caribbean Premier League 2019. Playing for Jamaica Tallawahs, Gayle has already registered a century in the tournament. At even 40, the left-handed batsman hasn’t lost his sheen and it will be interesting to see, how far he will go.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2019 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).