'He's still afraid of me' - Triggered Jamaican cricket great Chris Gayle challenges sprinting legend Usain Bolt to 100m showdown

'He's still afraid of me' - Triggered Jamaican cricket great Chris Gayle challenges sprinting legend Usain Bolt to 100m showdown

Mark Kinyanjui 15:00 - 26.04.2024

Cricket great Chris Gayle has challenged Usain Bolt to a 100m race after the sprinting great beat him at his own game a few years back, but Bolt has given a cheeky response.

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt has light-heartedly rediculed cricket great Chris Gayle’s running after the West Indies Batsman challenged him to a race following a friendly cricket match between the two a few years ago.

Bolt, a huge cricket fan was appointed the official ambassador for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which the West Indies and the USA will co-host in June.

In a lighthearted exchange captured in a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on social media, Bolt and Gayle engaged in playful banter, with Gayle playfully challenging Bolt to a 100m race. 

Gayle humorously asserted, "Till this day, he’s still afraid of me. Doesn’t want to see me on a 100m track." In response, Bolt teased Gayle, stating, “We all know Chris can’t run. We’re not worried about Chris.”

Gayle, however, dismissed Bolt's remarks as a 'lie,' asserting his ability to run quick singles and even fours on the cricket field. 

He cheekily invited Bolt to bring along other sprinting stars like Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell for the race, confidently stating that someone would inevitably come fourth – but it wouldn't be him.

 Reflecting on their previous cricket encounter, Gayle reminisced about facing Bolt on the field, highlighting the competitive yet fun nature of their match.

“After the bouncer I said to myself, it’s a fun game. What am I doing? So I start smashing him. Hit him for one or two sixes and probably for a few fours. Then, eventually, I get an inside edge onto the stumps," he said.

Bolt, leveraging his immense popularity and charismatic persona, aims to use his ambassadorial role to promote the T20 World Cup in the USA. 

With his illustrious track record, including three consecutive Olympic gold medals and multiple world records, Bolt remains a revered figure in the world of sports. 

His involvement in cricket adds an exciting dimension to the upcoming tournament, enhancing its appeal to fans worldwide.

Gayle is widely acclaimed as the preeminent batsman in the history of Twenty20 cricket, earning him widespread recognition and admiration within the cricketing community. His impact on the game transcends boundaries, with his extraordinary batting prowess leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Throughout his illustrious career, Gayle has been a pivotal figure in the success of the West Indies cricket team, notably contributing to their triumphs in major tournaments. He played a vital role in guiding the West Indies to victory in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, showcasing his remarkable talent and ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.

Additionally, Gayle played instrumental roles in the West Indies' victories at the ICC World Twenty20 tournaments in 2012 and 2016. His explosive batting performances and unparalleled consistency played a significant part in propelling the team to championship glory, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the realm of Twenty20 cricket.

Gayle's unparalleled achievements and contributions to the sport have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, particularly in the fast-paced and dynamic format of Twenty20 cricket. His remarkable feats on the field continue to inspire aspiring cricketers worldwide, leaving an enduring impact on the game for generations to come.

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