Chris Gayle ended his List A career with a bang after scoring a century, picking up a wicket with an economical spell, leading Jamaica to victory, and earning the Man of the Match award in his final domestic One Day game against Barbados in a Regional Super 50 fixture at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.
The Kings XI Punjab star had made the announcement ahead of the game and to mark the day he was handed the captaincy of the match, replacing Nikita Miller's duties for the day. He was also given the guard of honour by players from both Jamaica and Barbados when he stepped out to open the innings.
Ignoring the football score to salute this big man, the Universe Boss himself @henrygayle who in his last game for #Jamaica, hit a cool 122 vs #Barbados Pride. 227 is the target! #Super50 on #ESPN pic.twitter.com/FjriOZTX2A
— Alexis Nunes (@alexisenunes) October 6, 2018
"It's very pleasing to get a hundred in my last 50-over game for Jamaica, it's something I will always cherish," Gayle said. "To lead the team to a win makes it more special. It's been a pleasure representing my country, more so captaining them. I'm thankful and grateful to be standing here aged 39 and still get a century in my last game for Jamaica."
Gayle scored 122 off 114 balls in typical gusto, with 10 fours and 8 sixes. He led from the front despite two early wickets after which he forged a 131-run partnership with Andre McCarthy. The Jamaica captain fell in the 35th over with the team collapsing to 226 in the 48th over.
Another day, another century for the Universe Boss. Congrats on an amazing career playing for Jamaica! 🇯🇲🙌🏾 @henrygayle #Super50 #Jamaica pic.twitter.com/guTpmL3DG4
— Alexis Nunes (@alexisenunes) October 6, 2018
The score proved sufficient, however, as Barbados were bundled out for 193 handing Jamaica a 33-run victory. Gayle contributed with the ball as well, giving a stingy 31 runs in his 10 overs and also dismissed his counterpart for his only wicket. With that, the Universe Boss had ended his stint.
"There's a lot in the tank to be honest, but there's life after cricket, so have to enjoy life as well," Gayle reasoned. "Playing cricket for over 25 years has been a great achievement from a personal point of view, but I have a family now. I have to gel with them as much as possible and watch your kid grow.
"It's possible that I'll play a four-day game at Sabina Park. If possible, I will definitely play a four-day game. I don't know when it starts but I'll look into the schedule and make myself available," he pointed out.