Shane Watson’s magnificent hundred for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Monday marked the 25th occasion of a batsman registering a hundred in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Watson, who blasted six sixes and an equal number of fours in the match, played what can without doubt be described as one of the best knocks of the season so far. Not surprisingly, most of the tons hit in the IPL have been by openers. As Watson enjoyed his moment in the sun briefly, we did a recap of some brilliant hundreds by other openers in recent times.
Murali Vijay: 113 (CSK vs DD, at Chepauk, May 2012)
This was an unbelievable knock by the Chennai opener. CSK batted first and Vijay carted the Delhi bowlers to all parts of the ground en route to his smashing 113, which came off a mere 58 balls. Vijay blasted as many as 15 fours and 4 sixes in his knock, during which he maintained an amazing strike rate of 195. Vijay looked in no trouble at all against any of the Delhi bowlers, and it was only apt that his dismissal came via a run-out. Courtesy Vijay’s brilliance, Chennai won the clash by a massive margin of 86 runs.
Chris Gayle: 128 not out (RCB vs DD, at Feroz Shah Kotla, May 2012)
Delhi were at the receiving end of yet another master piece last season. The venue was different this time and, if anything, the treatment meted out to their bowlers was even more harsh. The tall West Indian plundered seven fours and as many as 13 sixes (no typo, you read it right!) in his 62-ball blitzkrieg. Gayle’s strike rate for the innings was equally unbelievable, at 206. The opener’s exploits led RCB to a domineering 215 for 1. Delhi fought hard with the bat, but fell 21 runs short.
David Warner: 109 not out (DD vs DC, at Uppal, May 2012)
For once, it was Delhi’s turn to inflict pain on the opposition bowlers. Having batted first, Deccan Chargers had posted an imposing 187. Delhi needed a big effort from one of their openers. And, while Sehwag failed to deliver, Aussie left-hander Warner came to the party. The well-built opener blasted 109 from 54 balls with the aid of 10 fours and seven massive sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 200 plus. With good support from Naman Ojha, who pitched in with a half-century, Warner took Delhi to victory incredulous ease.
Ajinkya Rahane: 103 not out (RR vs RCB, at Bangalore, April 2012)
The Rajasthan Royals opener came up with a sublime ton, which dispelled all notions, if there were any, over Rahane not being fit for this version of the game. Playing mostly proper cricketing strokes, Rahane creamed out 103 in 60 balls, an innings decorated with 12 marvellous hits to the fence, and five over it. Even while playing classy shots, Rahane managed to maintain a strike rate of 172. His knock led Rajasthan to 195 for 2 and, subsequently, an impressive 59-run win over RCB, as Gayle, for once, failed.
--By A Cricket Analyst
