The countdown for IPL 2020 has already started. Let’s have a look at the five memorable batting innings from the league since its inception.
Baz begins the show
Brendon McCullum set the mood of the league by giving the perfect start. He registered the first century of Indian Premier League in the very first match of IPL in 2008. He scored a blistering 100 off just 53 deliveries and remained unbeaten on 158 off 73 balls. He smashed 13 sixes and 10 boundaries to pile up that huge score. No wonder Kolkata Knight Riders won the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore by 142 runs.
Pathan takes charge
A match of IPL 2010 saw Rajasthan Royals struggling with 66/4 in 9.2overs. Chasing 212 against Mumbai Indians they were completely out of track. Yousuf Pathan rose to the occasion to change the course of the game. He smashed 100 off 37 balls that included nine fours and eight sixes. Unfortunately, his sudden run-out suddenly made the Royals lose the game by mere four runs.
Fasted T20 100 by Gayle
During IPL 2013 Chris Gayle scored the fasted Twenty 20 hundred off just 30 balls. His unbeaten 175 off 66 balls helped Royal Challengers Bangalore put a mammoth target of 263 against Pune Warriors. It was also the highest individual T20 score at that time that included 17 maximums and 13 fours. Post that, it was an easy match for RCB and they won it by a huge margin of 130 runs.
Raina fights back
The deciding match between CSK and KXIP at Wankhede stadium in IPL 2014 saw a mesmerizing century from Virender Sehwag. Based on that Kings XI Punjab put a huge total of 226 in 20 overs. While chasing the same Chennai Super Kings lost their first wicket in the very first over and were almost certain to lose the match. Then came Raina to record an incredible 87 off just 25 balls within first six overs. Chennai seemed to have control of the game but they lost it after Raina’s dismissal.
Phenomenal Kohli
Virat Kohli had a tremendous IPL in 2016. He accumulated 973 runs with four hundred. His 113 against KXIP is his highest T20 score and a phenomenal effort. In a rain-curtailed match, the pressure was on Kohli and Gayle to make a total which should not be too easy for the chasing team. What followed was absolute carnage. Kohli reached his 100 in 47 balls, with 12 fours and eight sixes. RCB reached 211 in 15 overs with the run rate touching 14 runs per over.