New Zealand's Martin Guptill on August 30 (Wednesday) became only the fourth batter in cricket history to score a century that included just one four. The veteran right-handed batter achieved the feat while playing for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2023 in the match against Barbados Royals. The explosive opening batter registered an unbeaten century and he achieved the three-figure mark with the help of just one four but unleashed nine sixes.
Here's a list of batters who have scored a century with just one four in the innings:
1. Nicky van den Bergh: The 34-year-old batter was the first cricketer ever to achieve this record. While representing North West, Bergh scored 101 runs with the help of 12 sixes and one four against Namibia in 2014.
2. Chris Gayle: The 'Universe Boss' scored 104 runs with the help of 11 sixes and one four while playing for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He achieved the mark against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018.
3. Will Young: New Zealand's right-handed batter scored 101 runs with the help of 10 sixes and one four while playing for Central Districts against Canterbury in 2021.
4. Martin Guptill: The veteran batter is the latest entrant to this rare list of willow-wielders. He achieved the feat against Barbados Royals while playing for Trinbago Knight Riders in CPL.
Talking about Guptill, it's been nearly a year since one of modern cricket's most explosive batters last appeared in an international match. Although he may have slipped in the pecking order for inclusion in New Zealand's white-ball squad, his capability to dismantle bowling line-ups remains as potent as ever.
His performance served as a timely reminder on a day when the New Zealand national team was defeated by England in a T20I match, showcasing that he still has much to offer.
Guptill remained not out, scoring 100 runs off just 58 balls, aiding his team in setting a formidable total of 194/5 in their 20 overs.
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