World T20: West Indies crush Australia enroute to final
West Indies stamped their class on Australia inflicting a heavy 74 run defeat to seal a place in the final on Sunday against Sri Lanka. A look at how Gayle and company demolished the Aussies piece by piece.
West Indies stamped their class on Australia inflicting a heavy 74 run defeat to seal a place in the final on Sunday against Sri Lanka. A look at how Gayle and company demolished the Aussies piece by piece. (All Photos AFP)
The Gayle force was at work as West Indies opted to bat first. Chris Gayle was in a punishing mood as he smashed 75 from 41 balls that saw 5 fours and 6 huge sixes out of the ground.
Kieron Pollard gave the ideal finish to the innings taking full toll on Xavier Doherty who went for 25 runs in the final over. Pollard hit 38 from 15 and West Indies ended up with an intimidating 205/4 in their 20 overs.
It was Samuel Badree who drew first blood for the Windies removing Shane Watson and David Warner to peg back the hopes of a good start for the Aussies.
Michael Hussey was looking good as he hit 18 runs off 12 balls and showed intent to go for it. But he was removed by Marlon Samuels before doing any real damage.
Skipper George Bailey responded in typical fashion scoring a brisk 63 off 29 balls with six fours and four sixes in a 68 run partnership for the seventh wicket with Pat Cummins in a bid to make a match of it.
But the West Indies bowlers stayed disciplined and bowled a controlled line and length as Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard chipped in with a couple of wickets each.
Australia folded up for 131 in the 17th over. The win is a huge morale booster for the West Indies when they face Sri Lanka on Sunday. Australia take the flight home as they end a story of so near yet so far.
