Chris Gayle might have grabbed the headlines for all the wrong reasons in this season's Big Bash League, but after all the negative drama surrounding that interview, the West Indian showed just why he is such a popular cricketer, striking a stunning 12-ball half-century.

With the knock, Gayle equalled the world record of Yuvraj Singh, who scored his own ridiculous half-ton courtesy those six sixes off Stuart Broad in the World T20 in 2007.

Gayle was in the mood for the Melbourne Renegades, opening up the big chase against the Adelaide Strikers with four straight sixes in the first over, bowled by youngster Greg West.

The assault continued until the sixth over, when Gayle, with wickets tumbling left, right and centre around him, also succumbed as Travis Head picked up the big wicket of the left-hander.

The Melbourne Renegades needed to chase down 171 in 16 overs to make it to the semifinals, but despite Gayle's record knock, all they could manage was 143 all out in 15.3 overs, and with it ending their hopes of entering the knockout rounds.

However, this Gayle knock will stick in the memory for a while.

Below are the highlights from Gayle's brilliant 17-ball 56.

You can also watch the full highlights of the match HERE