Gayle's unbeaten 104 makes Hyderabad taste first defeat in IPL 2018

Chris Gayle's unbeaten 104 runs made Hyderabad taste their first defeat in the ongoing Indian Premier League. 

Hyderabad, who have the best bowling attack, failed to stop Gayle from hitting big sixes and reach this edition's first century.  

Gayle brought his ton in only 58 balls to help Punjab surpass 150 runs and aim for 200 at the end of the 20 overs.

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Supported by Karun Nair at the other end, Gayle innings included 11 sixes and one four.

Hyderabad was defeated by 15 runs as they lost wickets at regular intervals. 

Skipper Kane Williomson and batsman Manish Pandey smashed a half-century each but their efforts went in vain as the other players failed to provide any support. 

Earlier, Punjab skipper R Ashwin won the toss and decided to bat first against Hyderabad at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Thursday.

"We are going to bat first. I would like to see them chase down a score. We have got a formidable batting line-up that can take on any bowling attack and we would like them to give a license to go out and express themselves," Ashwin said.

"We had a wonderful win in the last match and we would like to keep the momentum going. We are unchanged for this match," he added.

When asked about their strategy for today's game, Hyderabad skipper Williamson said, "There may be a little bit of dew factor in the second innings, so it's important we do the job. Both (their openers) are good players, exciting players, and it's important we execute our plans better."

The Hyderabad team has made one change in their team as they have replaced Jordan with Billy Stanlake.