Credit: @gkumartwitz
42 balls, 100 runs - Gilly's record-breaking ton redefines T20 batting
The 27th of April, 2008, witnessed a spectacle at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. It wasn't a war of attrition, but a blitzkrieg launched by one man, Adam Gilchrist. The inaugural IPL season was still young, and the Deccan Chargers, desperate for a win, found their hero in the swashbuckling wicketkeeper batsman. This is the story of how Gilchrist, with a blazing century, decimated the Mumbai Indians and propelled his team to a dominant victory.
The Deccan Chargers, under the leadership of VVS Laxman, were searching for their first win. Laxman, facing criticism after three consecutive losses, opted to field first. This decision, as it turned out, was a masterstroke. The Mumbai Indians, despite playing at their home ground, were restricted to a modest total of 154 thanks to some disciplined bowling from the Chargers.
Nuwan Zoysa and RP Singh kept things tight upfront, removing the openers cheaply. Later, the wily Shahid Afridi came on in the powerplay overs and snagged crucial wickets, derailing any momentum Mumbai could build.
Chasing a seemingly manageable target, the Chargers opened with the explosive duo of Gilchrist and Laxman. However, the spotlight belonged solely to Gilchrist on that day. From the very first over, his intent was clear. He feasted on anything short, dispatching deliveries from Ashish Nehra to all parts of the ground. Boundaries rained as Gilchrist treated the short boundaries of the DY Patil Stadium with disdain. He wasn't just hitting the ball cleanly; he was launching them into orbit, showcasing his repertoire of powerful strokes.
Credit: @saanjana918_R
This is the fifth fastest ton in IPL history
The Mumbai bowlers, lacking variety and direction, simply couldn't contain the onslaught. Sixes soared over the ropes, boundaries whistled past fielders, and the Deccan Chargers dugout erupted with every Gilchrist special. His fifty came off a mere 23 balls, a sign of things to come.
He reached his hundred in a record-breaking 42 deliveries, the fastest in the IPL at that time. This wasn't just an inning; it was a masterclass in power-hitting. He wasn't just slogging; he was picking his spots, using his feet effectively, and dispatching anything loose with brutal efficiency.
Yesterday, Travis Head hit a mind-boggling 39-ball 100. It was the 4th fastest century in the history of the IPL.
— Srikrishnan Sathyanarayanan (@bhadran_) April 16, 2024
The next best though was the 40-ball 100 by the legend Adam Gilchrist against MI at the DY Patil in 2008. This held the record till Yusuf Pathan broke it in 2010. pic.twitter.com/VTKq5FhFWG
Credit: @bhadran_
While Gilchrist was on a rampage, Laxman played the supporting role to perfection. He understood the importance of not getting bogged down and rotated the strike effectively. The occasional boundary from his blade ensured the scoreboard kept ticking over. Their partnership, the highest of the tournament at that time, ensured a comfortable 10-wicket victory for the Deccan Chargers with a staggering 48 balls to spare.
Credit: @KumarSk955524
Laxman became the head coach of the Hyderabad franchise later
With Gilchrist (109*) in this kind of form, the target was a mere formality. Laxman (37*) played the supporting role, happy to watch his teammate dismantle the Mumbai attack. Their partnership, the highest of the tournament at that time, ensured a comfortable 10-wicket victory for the Deccan Chargers with a staggering 48 balls to spare.
This match belonged to Adam Gilchrist. His innings weren't just about brute force; they displayed exceptional timing, clean hitting, and an unflinching temperament. He single-handedly redefined the possibilities of T20 batting, setting a new benchmark for aggression and dominance. The Mumbai Indians, despite having a decent bowling attack on paper with names like Shaun Pollock and Lasith Malinga, were left shell-shocked and searching for answers.
