SOUTH AFRICA UPROOTED BY GAYLE’S GALE

Javed Ali, SQUARE CUT, YaHind Sports

A blistering century by the in-form Christopher Gayle helped West Indies to reach the final of the Championship Trophy, they will Meet Australia the strongest opponent of the current times. Gayle was so rampant that he tore apart the South African pace attack to bits & pieces enthralling the capacity crowd at the Sawai Mansingh Statium, Jaipur. Graeme Smith the South African captain won the toss and elected to bat first, after some useful knocks from the out of form Gibbs and de Villiers they posted a respectable and challenging total of 258 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. They looked a little satisfied that Pollock and Ntini have the ability to defend a total of beyond 250, but nothing went right for them As Gayle in company of Chanderpaul triggered the onslaught, at one stage it appeared to be a one-sided match as the West Indians did not lose a wicket until they reach 196 when Sarwan coming in place of Chanderpaul( who got retired hurt scoring a Solid 57) fell to Ntini. Even after losing 3 more wickets, the West Indians never look in trouble as long as the stubbort Gayle at the crease, this wasThe record third century by him in Championship Trophy which ultimately earned him the Man of the Match. Australia and the West Indies have moved to the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai for a grand finale to be played on Sunday 5th of November, a thin layer of pressure obviously is on Australia as this is for the first time they have reached the final of this tournament, whereas West Indies are a boost up side, but to me it will not be easy for Lara and his men to beat the mighty Australians, let’s see………..!!!!