Cricket: Gayle bashes IPL ton

Chris Gayle, pictured hitting out against New Zealand, has hit a quickfire ton in the IPL. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Chris Gayle has gone on a rampage in the Indian Premier League - with Australian duo Mitchell Johnson and Glenn Maxwell copping much of his wrath.

The West Indian masterblaster smashed a memorable 117 from 57 balls, including 12 sixes, as his Royal Challengers Bangalore annihilated Kings XI Punjab by 138 runs.

Having posted a formidable 226-3, Bangalore then rolled their opponents for a measly 88, with Australia's Mitchell Starc (4-15) grabbing another haul of wickets cashing in on the good work at the top of the order by Sreenath Arvind (4-27).

Johnson, Australia's pace spearhead, has faded as the IPL has worn on and with Punjab already out of finals contention Cricket Australia may try to coax him home early for some rest ahead of next month's two-Test tour of the West Indies and the lengthy Ashes campaign which follows.

The 33-year-old, who finished with 0-43, saw Gayle at his brutal best early on and conceded 20 runs in his first over.

Gayle showed no fear as he clubbed three sixes and three fours off Johnson, before turning his attention to part-time spinner Maxwell, who saw two of his offerings smashed over the boundary rope en route to figures of 0-23 from two overs.

A third Australian, Punjab skipper George Bailey, had a chance to halt the onslaught but grassed a near-impossible chance with Gayle on 27.

South Africa's AB de Villiers also delighted the crowd with his 24-ball 47, which included four sixes, as he played second fiddle to Gayle.

-AAP