By Simon Briggs in Bridgetown, Barbados
Captain marvel:
Chris Gayle was in blistering form for West Indies against India Photo: AP
Chris Gayle sent the Bajan crowd into ecstasies on Sunday with an innings that epitomised what Twenty20 cricket is all about. His 98 from 66 balls set up the West Indies’ 14-run win over India, maintaining that vital sense of home interest as the tournament moves into its final week.
If the Caribbean World Cup of 2007 was as underwhelming as a Jennifer Aniston romcom, this year’s model has certainly caught the imagination. Gayle’s innings yesterday produced a joyous cacophony of cheers, screams and musical instruments. The volume was so mind-boggling, it was hard to believe that the Kensington Oval holds only 12,000 fans.
Of all the gifted strikers in this competition, Gayle must be the most feared. His method is so simple and his power so withering. Even his high-shouldered stalk around the crease looks intimidating. When he was playing in India, wearing the black shirt and helmet of the Kolkata Knight Riders, he bore a strong resemblance to Darth Vader.
On Sunday Gayle was facing India’s notoriously lightweight attack, which consists of three proper bowlers baked up by ropey part-timers.
But you still have to hit the ball. There were seven sixes, one of them a mighty heave off Yusuf Pathan that travelled 110 metres. It was the longest of the tournament - a big enough blow to clear the Lord’s pavilion.
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