Chris Gayle set a new record for the fastest century in professional cricket history by reaching 100 in 30 balls. Photo: Getty Images/BBC News

Gayle smashed 17 sixes and 13 fours in a 66-ball knock, beating Brendan McCullum of New Zealand's 158 not out.

His Royal Challengers Bangalore side amassed a T20 record 263-5 against Pune Warriors in the Indian Premier League.

The score eclipses the previous best of 260, set by Sri Lanka against Kenya in Johannesburg in September 2007.

Gayle told ITV4: "I'm lost for words. It was just one of those days. It's a good wicket and I started well.

"I got a good total. I can't say it's a decent total - it's a good total."

"All I had for breakfast this morning was a plain omelette, two pancakes and a hot chocolate."

Pune were batting second in the match.

In November last year, Gayle became the first man to hit a six off the opening ball of a Test match - the left hander hit Bangladesh debutant Sohag Gazi for a maximum in the first Test in Dhaka.