Gayle smashes 12-ball 50 in Big Bash

Chris Gayle has smashed the equal-fastest fifty in the history of Twenty20 cricket, taking just 12 balls to reach the mark during a whirlwind knock for the Renegades against Adelaide Strikers.

With his side needing the target of 171 from 16 overs in order to qualify for the finals, Gayle simply exploded, hitting four successive sixes in the first over of the innings from youngster Greg West.

Watch: Gayle hits four straight sixes

The assault continued in the third over, Gayle taking 22 from Ben Laughlin to take himself to 44 from 11 deliveries.

It meant he needed a six to equal the world record for the fastest T20 fifty, set by Yuvraj Singh at the 2007 T20 World Cup against England in Durban - a knock that included six sixes in an over from Stuart Broad.

The left-hander was out a short time later for 56 from 17, Travis Head claiming his third wicket to put his side in a strong position in the contest.

Gayle's knock also smashed the BBL record for the fastest fifty, from 18 balls, first set by Tim Ludeman in BBL|04.

Watch: Ludeman's lightning 50

That mark was equalled by Brisbane Heat captain Chris Lynn later that same season at the Gabba.

Watch: Lynn heats up the Gabba