Cricket: Gayle knocks the wind out of New Zealand
West Indies opener helps team to 2-0 win in Twenty20 series.
Explosive West Indies opener Chris Gayle celebrated his return to the team after settling his differences with the country’s cricket board with a man-of-the-series award that helped his side to a 2-0 win over New Zealand in the Twenty20 series that took place in Florida.
After a comfortable victory in the first game, which saw Gayle remain unbeaten on 85, the left-hander hit another quickfire half-century to help West Indies post a competitive 177 for five. Spinner Sunil Narine claimed four wickets as New Zealand were bundled out for 116.
“It’s good to start on a high,” said Gayle after the 61-run win. “They bowled well at the start but I made the necessary adjustments to put the team in a winning position. Overall it was a good performance with the ball as well.”
West Indies captain Darren Sammy was a pleased man.
“It feels good to win the series,” said Sammy. “We all know what Gayle is capable of doing and he’s performed well at the top of the order. I think we are improving with every game. We also thank the crowd for their support – it felt like we were at home.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2012.