West Indies stun hosts to clinch World T20 title
The West Indies, restricted to 137 for six after electing to bat, hit back to bundle out Sri Lanka for 101 and silence a sell-out crowd of 35,000 at the Premadasa Stadium that included President Mahinda Rajapakse.
It was the first world title for the West Indies since the 50-over World Cup triumph under Clive Lloyd in 1979, and handed Sri Lanka their fourth defeat in a major final since 2007.
Spinner Sunil Narine grabbed three wickets for nine runs and Sammy took two as the hosts, who excelled in the field in the first session, undid the good work with irresponsible batting.
Earlier, Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis took four for 12 as the West Indies collapsed once Chris Gayle was removed in the sixth over for only three runs.
Marlon Samuels was the only batsman to defy the spot-on Sri Lankan bowling, making 78 off 56 balls with the help of six sixes and three boundaries.
His performance, which earned him the man-of-the-match award, helped the West Indies add 105 runs in the last 10 overs.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2012.
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