Gayle thumps 11 sixes to blow Hyderabad away

MOHALI, India (AP) Chris Gayle notched his sixth Indian Premier League century to help Kings XI Punjab beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 15 runs Thursday.

�Gayle scored 104 not out off 63 balls, containing 11 sixes and one four, as Punjab hit 193-3 after winning the toss and electing to bat. The West Indian opener was particularly harsh on Rashid Khan, clubbing six sixes off him, including four in the 14th over.

''I think (director of cricket operations) Virender Sehwag saved the IPL by picking me (in the January auctions),'' said Gayle. ''Everyone says I have a lot to prove. I am just here to put some respect on my name.''

The Sunrisers managed 178-4 in reply as it lost for the first time this tournament.

Kane Williamson (54) and Manish Pandey (57 not out) put on 76 for the third wicket although their partnership was a bit too slow as the asking rate mounted.

�Pandey also added a quick-fire 45 in 22 balls for the fifth wicket with Shakib Al Hasan (24 not out).

''Hats off to Chris, he was at his best,'' captain Williamson said. ''It was a fantastic hundred and they deserved the win. We weren't up to the mark tonight.