42 Runs: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some incredible feats over the years. From record-breaking centuries to last-over finishes, IPL is often where cricketing history is made. One of the most spectacular achievements in IPL history is a batsman scoring 42 runs in a single over. This remarkable record was set by Chris Gayle, the destructive West Indian opener, during an IPL match in 2013.
Not only did Gayle make history with his explosive batting, but this over remains one of the most unforgettable moments in IPL’s journey, showcasing just how dangerous a player like Gayle can be when in full flow. Let’s break down how 42 runs were scored in a single over, who was the unfortunate bowler, and the impact this moment had on the IPL.
Chris Gayle’s Record-Breaking Over (42 Runs)
Match Details: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Pune Warriors India (2013)
- Date: April 23, 2013
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
- Team 1: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Team 2: Pune Warriors India (PWI)
- Batsman: Chris Gayle (RCB)
- Bowler: Shane Harwood (PWI)
- Over Number: 17th over of the match
The match between RCB and PWI saw Chris Gayle at his absolute best. He was in destructive form, and he went on to hit a total of 42 runs off one over, a record in the history of the IPL. This occurred in the 17th over of the RCB innings when Shane Harwood of Pune Warriors India was bowling.
How Did Chris Gayle Score 42 Runs in One Over?
In what was one of the most brutal and memorable overs in IPL history, Chris Gayle smashed Shane Harwood all over the park. Here’s how the over unfolded:
| Ball Number | Result | Type of Shot | Distance (meters) | Over Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Ball | Six | Lofted over the boundary | 85 | 6 runs |
| 2nd Ball | Six | Clean strike over mid-wicket | 90 | 12 runs |
| 3rd Ball | Six | Massive six over long-on | 92 | 18 runs |
| 4th Ball | Six | Over extra cover | 95 | 24 runs |
| 5th Ball | Six | Straight down the ground | 100 | 30 runs |
| 6th Ball | No Ball + Six | Over the boundary | 100 | 36 runs |
| 7th Ball | Wide + Six | High over mid-wicket | 105 | 42 runs |
In this over, Gayle displayed his extraordinary power, hitting six sixes (with a no-ball and a wide) and scoring 42 runs from just 7 balls. The total included:
- 6 Sixes: Gayle hit six consecutive sixes to take his tally for the over to 36 runs.
- 1 No-Ball: The over also featured a no-ball bowled by Shane Harwood, which meant the over was extended, giving Gayle another opportunity to continue his onslaught.
- 1 Wide: A wide ball also allowed Gayle to face another ball, extending the over even further and ultimately resulting in 42 runs.
Breaking Down the Impact of Gayle’s 42 Runs in One Over
This remarkable over saw Chris Gayle score 42 runs off just 7 balls, with each ball flying to the boundary, leaving the bowlers and spectators in sheer disbelief. Gayle’s ability to consistently find the boundary is what set him apart from other power hitters in the IPL.
The over not only made history but also played a crucial part in setting up a huge total for RCB, helping them post a total of 263/5 in their 20 overs, which was one of the highest team totals in IPL history at the time. Gayle’s 175 not out from just 66 balls was the core of the innings, with his 42-run over acting as the highlight of his innings.
Table: Chris Gayle’s Record-Breaking IPL Over (42 Runs)
| Ball Number | Bowler | Shot Played | Runs Scored | Resulting Score | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Ball | Shane Harwood | Six over the boundary | 6 | 6 | Gayle starts with a huge six. |
| 2nd Ball | Shane Harwood | Six over mid-wicket | 6 | 12 | Gayle smashes another six. |
| 3rd Ball | Shane Harwood | Six over long-on | 6 | 18 | Another maximum from Gayle. |
| 4th Ball | Shane Harwood | Six over extra cover | 6 | 24 | Gayle is in destructive form. |
| 5th Ball | Shane Harwood | Six straight down the ground | 6 | 30 | Another one sails over the boundary. |
| 6th Ball | Shane Harwood | No ball + Six | 6 | 36 | A no-ball gives Gayle an extra chance, and he hits it for a six. |
| 7th Ball | Shane Harwood | Wide + Six | 6 | 42 | A wide gives Gayle yet another opportunity, and he hits a six to complete the over. |
The Significance of the 42-Run Over
This 42-run over by Chris Gayle remains one of the most iconic moments in IPL history for several reasons:
1. Record-Breaking Moment:
It was the highest number of runs ever scored off a single over in IPL, with Gayle hitting six sixes and benefiting from a no-ball and a wide. This over remains a benchmark for power hitting in T20 cricket.
2. Gayle’s Explosive Batting:
The over displayed Gayle’s unique ability to hit huge sixes with ease. His batting style—aggressive, powerful, and fearless—was a treat to watch, and he showed why he’s regarded as one of the most destructive T20 batsmen in the world.
3. RCB’s Huge Total:
Thanks to this over and Gayle’s explosive knock, Royal Challengers Bangalore were able to post an imposing total of 263/5 in 20 overs, one of the highest scores ever in IPL history. Although they did not win the tournament in 2013, this match is often remembered as one of their most thrilling and memorable.
4. Impact on IPL’s Reputation:
This event helped further cement the IPL’s reputation as a tournament where big hitting is encouraged, and high scores are common. Gayle’s 42-run over epitomized the essence of T20 cricket, where anything is possible in just a few balls.
Chris Gayle’s IPL Legacy as a Big Hitter
Chris Gayle’s reputation as one of the most destructive T20 batsmen was further solidified by his 42-run over in the IPL. He is well-known for his consistent ability to clear the boundary with ease, and his performances in the IPL have made him a fan favorite around the world. With his strength, timing, and ability to dominate bowlers, Gayle has had a legendary IPL career.
- Total IPL Sixes: Gayle has hit over 300 sixes in his IPL career, making him the player with the most sixes in IPL history.
- Fastest Century in IPL: Gayle holds the record for the fastest century in IPL history, scoring 100 runs off just 30 balls in 2013.
Conclusion
Chris Gayle’s 42-run over in the 2013 IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Pune Warriors India is one of the most iconic moments in the history of the IPL. His sheer power, aggressive batting, and ability to dominate bowlers made this record possible and etched his name into the annals of IPL history.
While this feat of scoring 42 runs in one over remains unmatched, it serves as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that T20 cricket, and the IPL in particular, brings to fans all around the world. Chris Gayle, with his unique brand of big-hitting cricket, remains one of the most exciting players to ever grace the IPL.