Chris Gayle could not beat Kings XI Punjab despite taking the bat by storm. The Caribbean batsman has to pay the opposite fine.
Gayle is going to deduct 10 per cent of the match fee for violating the IPL code of conduct against Rajasthan Royals. Punjab lost the match by 7 wickets with a big target. This is the first loss for Lokesh Rahul's team after winning five matches in a row.
Gayle was bowled by Joffra Archer in the last over of the innings to stay one run away from the century. He could no longer contain his anger at the failure to celebrate the century. He immediately threw the bat. As a result, the Universe Boss was accused of violating Level One of Section 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct. Gayle, however, has pleaded guilty.
Before that, the old terrible Gayle was seen with the bat. Jamaican Storm scored 99 off 63 balls with 6 fours and 6 sixes. And he became the first cricketer to reach the milestone of 1000 sixes in T20. However, the 41-year-old batsman could not leave the field with a victory in such an eventful match.
After losing the toss at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Gayle's stormy batting helped Punjab reach 175 for four. However, they could not put up any resistance in front of Steven Smith. Robin Uthappar (30), Ben Stokes (50), Sanju Samson (47), Steven Smith (31) and Jos Butler (22) helped Rajasthan to 18 for 3 in 18.3 overs.
Rajasthan's dream of playing in the play-offs with this victory still survives. However, Smith, who is in the fifth position with 12 points in 13 matches, will have to win the last match. On the other hand, Punjab lost the match and the wait increased. Even though Rajasthan has equal points, they are ahead in the net run rate.