LANKY LANKAN SHATTERED WINDIES

Javed Ali, SQUARE CUT, YaHind Sports

The 6th and the last match of the qualifying round of Championship Trophy ended in a poor show by the West Indies, this was expected to be a thriller as both Sri Lanka and West Indies are in very good shape. Brian Lara the captain won the toss and elected to bat first, a formidable batting line-up to begin with Gayle, Chanderpaul, Sarwan and Lara himself looked mesmerized by a disciplined fast bowling attack by the Sri Lankans. Chaminda Vaas made early in roads to send back Gayle & Sarwan to make them 2 for 2, then came the lanky Perveez Maharoof with a fiery spell send them reeling with a career-best figures of 9-2-14-6. This was the lowest total by West Indies against Sri Lanka, and became the holder of third lowest total in the Championship Trophy. The lowest ever team score in the tournament has been 65 in 25 overs by USA in 2004 against Australia, Bangladesh scored the second lowest 77 against New Zealand in 2002. Chasing a meek target Lankans began losing Upul Tharanga (back to back centuries) off the first ball, but the expenienced Jayasurya in company with captain Jayawardene saw them through in just 12 overs. With this Sri Lanka became Q1 to join Pakistan, New Zealand & South Africa while West Indies declared Q2 will join Australia, India & England.