Estonia batter Sahil Chauhan smashed the quickest T20 century (in 27 balls) and struck most number of sixes (18) in the format in an international game against hosts Cyprus in Episkopi on Monday. Chauhan broke Jan-Nicol Loftie Eaton’s record for the fastest T20I hundred, which came off 33 balls and lasted less than four months. It was also the fastest century in all T20s, eclipsing Chris Gayle‘s 30-ball innings in IPL 2013. The Indian-origin Chauhan also made it to the top of the table for most sixes in a men’s T20I innings.

Two matches were scheduled on the opening day of the six-match bilateral series with Estonia winning both.

After being dismissed for a first-ball duck in the first game, in which Estonia chased down Cyprus’ 195 for 7 in the last over, Chauhan showed his hitting prowess in the next match.

Batting first, Cyprus scored 191 for 7.

Estonia had a terrible start, with both the openers departing inside eight balls with just nine runs on the board.

But then came in Chauhan, who was in his elements and used his long handle from the word go to dismantle Cyprus’ bowling attack.

He scored his runs at an unbelievable strike rate of 351.21.

During his knock of 144* in just 41 balls, Sahil smashed six boundaries and 18 sixes. His runs came at a strike rate of over 351.

The fastest T20I century earlier belonged to Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton of Namibia, who smashed a 33-ball ton against Nepal in February 2024. Sahil’s effort is also the fastest century in T20I cricket.

The knock by Sahil had 18 sixes, the most by a player in a men’s T20I innings, outdoing Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai and New Zealand’s Finn Allen, who had 16 sixes each in their record-breaking knocks of 162 and 137.

In the second game, Cyprus made 191/7 in their 20 overs, with Taranjit Singh (44 in 17 balls, with two fours and five sixes) being the top-scorer. Estonia chased it down in just 13 overs with six wickets in hand, with the next-highest score being Bilal Masud (21*).

Estonia now lead the six-match series in Cyrpus 2-0, having chased down a target of 196 in the opening match of Monday’s double-header with three balls and five wickets remaining.

However, on that against Chauhan could not have had a more contrasting impact with the bat, dismissed for a golden duck.

The series continues with another double-header on Tuesday, June 18 in Episkopi.

With ANI inputs

Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi has been announced as a tournament ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 which will be held in the West Indies and the USA, ICC said in a release on Friday. With this announcement, Afridi joins an illustrious group of ambassadors, featuring India stalwart Yuvraj Singh, ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and the fastest man on earth Usain Bolt. Afridi is synonymous with Pakistan’s most memorable moments in T20 World Cup history. He played a pivotal role in their journey to the final in the inaugural tournament in 2007 and their triumph in the 2009 edition.

Afridi came in clutch for Pakistan in both those years – he was Player of the Tournament in the 2007 edition where they fell on the final hurdle to arch-rivals India. However, they were quick to put that loss behind them and got their hands on the trophy in the next edition, where Afridi was the Player of the Match in both the semi-final against South Africa and the finale for an all-round performance against Sri Lanka.

The former Pakistan captain cherished his memories of the T20 World Cup and expressed his elation at joining the upcoming edition as a tournament ambassador.

“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is an event that is very close to my heart. From being Player of the Tournament in the inaugural edition to lifting the trophy in 2009, some of my favourite career highlights have come from competing on this stage,” said Afridi as quoted by ICC.

“T20 World Cups have gone from strength to strength in recent years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this edition, where we will see more teams, more matches and even more drama than ever before. I am particularly excited to witness the India v Pakistan fixture on 9 June. It is one of the great rivalries in sport and New York will be a fitting stage for this unmissable encounter between two great teams,” the former Pakistan skipper added.

The ICC General Manager also expressed his feelings on the appointment of Afridi. “Shahid competed in six ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, two of which as captain and delivering a Player of the Match performance when winning the trophy in 2009, so who better to join our all-star Ambassador team,” Claire Furlong said.

“He’s a fan favourite around the world and alongside Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle and eight-time Olympic gold-medallist Usain Bolt, will be bringing fans closer to the event ahead of what is set to be the biggest T20 World Cup ever,” Furlong added.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicks off on 1 June with co-hosts USA taking on Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle in RCB dressing room© X (Twitter)

Chennai Super Kings star MS Dhoni with RCB’s Virat Kohli© X (formerly Twitter)

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Chris Gayle joined his old teammate Virat Kohli in the franchise’s dressing room at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on Saturday. Gayle who once opened the innings alongside Virat Kohli for RCB, was elated to see his former side securing a heroic victory against Chennai Super Kings to qualify for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. After entering the dressing room, Gayle recreated his old celebration with Kohli before giving the RCB stalwart a big hug.

Gayle witnessed RCB make history at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium following their 27-run win against the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.

Against all odds, they sealed their spot in the final berth of the IPL playoffs. The Challengers became the first team to qualify for the playoffs after having just one win in their first seven games of the season.

Virat & Gayle Celebration

pic.twitter.com/gxOiBI6LXi

— V I P E R (@VIPERoffl) May 19, 2024

Chris Gayle’s Instagram post.

– ‘Long live, the King. Nothing but respect and love’. pic.twitter.com/gVg180CL1U

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2024

During the game, the RCB Hall of Fame opened up about his love for the franchise. He even joked about coming in as an impact substitute if the team needs a player.

“As you can see jersey still fits so if they need an extra man, I can be the impact player. It is good to see the fans. RCB forever, I will forever be an RCB fan,” Gayle said in a video posted by RCB on X.

Universe Boss Chris Gayle was in the house last night, ready to step in as Impact Sub!

‘RCB Forever’ – he says reminiscing his playing days and supporting the Men In Red Blue and Gold! #PlayBold #RCB #ChrisGayle #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/RougFPSZEx

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 19, 2024

The RCB fans have witnessed Gayle break and rescript records at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In this stadium, Gayle smashed 175* off just 66 deliveries against Pune Warriors in the IPL 2013.

After more than 10 years, Gayle’s blitz stands tall as the highest score in the T20 format. His record-breaking knock was laced with 13 boundaries and 17 towering sixes.

He still has the record for the most maximums in an inning by a batter in the history of the cash-rich league. Gayle opened up about his love for playing in Chinnaswamy and the electrifying atmosphere that is created by the fans.

“It is always good to be back where you have fun memories. It is good to see the guys in a very important game. For me, it is very special to be right here at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. One thing I noticed the roof, brand new, I know I have done some damage. I hope someone can put a dent in there and make it entertaining like the Universe Boss,” Gayle said.

“I got goosebumps. This is the best place to play cricket, the atmosphere is brilliant and the fans played a big part during my career with RCB,” Gayle added.

Coming to the match, with 218/5 on board, RCB managed to restrict CSK before they could reach 201 to better their net run rate. RCB stood victorious with a 27-run win and sealed their spot in the final four.

With ANI inputs