Chris Gayle hit half-dozen sixes and five boundaries in his unbeaten 41-ball 75
A blistering unbeaten half-century from Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard’s late onslaught powered West Indies to 205-4 against Australia in the second semi-final of ICC World Twetn2y0 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Friday.
Chris Gayle slammed 41-ball 75 with the help of half-dozen sixes and five boundaries while spanked three sixes and as many boundaries in his 15-ball 38 as West Indies recorded the highest total of the fourth edition of T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka had defeated Pakistan in the first semi-final at the same venue on Thursday to book the spot for the final, scheduled on October 7.
Pollard smashed three successive sixes off Xavier Doherty in the final over as the off-spinner leaked 48 runs in the three overs.
The hapless Australian bowling attack had no reply to the ruthlessness of Chris Gayle, who entertained the spectators with flamboyant shots all over the park.
In this process, Chris Gayle also completed his 200-runs in tournament. He also became the highest six slammer of the event with 16 maximums.
Opening the innings steadily, Chris Gayle lost his opening partner Johnson Charles (10) early in the innings. The Jamaican edged to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade behind the stumps in attempt to slash the ball on the off-side.
Building the momentum gradually, Chris Gayle shared a quick-fire 41-run second-wicket stand with Marlon Samuels, who bowled out off Cummins after adding 26 runs on board.
After Samuels’ dismissal, Chris Gayle found an ably partner in comeback-man Dwayne Bravo (37 off 31) and stitched up 83-run in his company. Dwayne, who replaced his injured brother Darren in squad, hit three sixes and a four before holing out to Australia skipper George Bailey off Cummins.
