Gayle retires from List A cricket with 122-run knock

The ‘Universe Boss’ was given a guard of honour by both Barbados and Jamaican players before he walked to out to bat. Moments before the toss he had announced that this would be his last 50-over appearance for Jamaica in West Indies’ domestic tournament the Super 50.

Chris Gayle smashed 122 off 114 balls to lead his side Jamaica Scorpions to a 33-run win over Barbados moments after announcing his retirement from List A cricket.

The ‘Universe Boss’ was given a guard of honour by both Barbados and Jamaican players before he walked to out to bat. Moments before the toss he had announced that this would be his last 50-over appearance for Jamaica in West Indies’ domestic tournament the Super 50.

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

However, Gayle will continue to ply his trade in ODIs and T20Is for West Indies along with playing T20 leagues across the globe.

"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.

The West Indian Talisman, who made himself unavailable for the ODI series against India to play in the Afghanistan Premiere League, made his last appearance for Jamaica a memorable one. Opening the batting, he hit 8 towering sixes and 10 fours, scoring at a strike rate of 107 even as wickets continued to tumble at the other end.

Gayle scored more than 53% of his team’s total of 226 runs in final appearance both as a player and captain. He announced that he might play a four-day game before finally saying goodbye to Jamaica.  

"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."