Windies thrash Sri Lanka in World T20

Andre Fletcher displayed masterclass in batting at the World Twenty20 yesterday as the West Indies made it two wins from two after beating defending champions Sri Lanka by 7 wickets, reports AFP from Bangalore, India. The 28-year-old Fletcher smashed an unbeaten 84, including five sixes and six fours, as the Windies successfully chased down Sri Lanka's limp score of 122-9 without destructive opener Chris Gayle. A Windies team representative told reporters that the 36-year-old had an injury that was "not major" but it raises questions about how much of the remaining tournament he will now play.
An unimpressed crowd at Bangalore's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium repeatedly chanted "We want Gayle, We want Gayle", anxious to see the Jamaican who has played several seasons for the city's team in the glitzy Indian Premier League (IPL). He teased the crowd by stepping out of the bunker with his bat after the third wicket fell, bringing roars from the stadium, only to walk back inside. "Great team win tonight. The Bengaluru crowd/fans always amazing, sorry y'all didn't see me bat tonight but I will be back," Gayle posted on Twitter shortly after the Windies victory.
Fletcher insisted he was not trying to steal Gayle's limelight after his ferocious knock. "I don't think anybody in the world can take his (Gayle's) place," Fletcher said. "I'm (just) grateful for the opportunity to bat," the man of the match added. The West Indies are one of the weakest teams in Test cricket, but they remain a force in the shortest format and are gunning for their second World T20 title after winning the trophy in 2012.
Andre Russell made 20 not out while Johnson Charles scored 10. Defending champions Sri Lanka have been struggling for form since winning the trophy two years ago, slumping to seventh in the world rankings.
All-rounder Thisara Perera top scored for the islanders with 40, including five fours, after West Indies captain Darren Sammy won the toss and elected to field. Skipper Angelo Mathews chipped in with 20.

 

Windies thrash Sri Lanka in World T20

Andre Fletcher displayed masterclass in batting at the World Twenty20 yesterday as the West Indies made it two wins from two after beating defending champions Sri Lanka by 7 wickets, reports AFP from Bangalore, India. The 28-year-old Fletcher smashed an unbeaten 84, including five sixes and six fours, as the Windies successfully chased down Sri Lankas limp score of 122-9 without destructive opener Chris Gayle. A Windies team representative told reporters that the 36-year-old had an injury that was not major but it raises questions about how much of the remaining tournament he will now play. An unimpressed crowd at Bangalores M. Chinnaswamy Stadium repeatedly chanted We want Gayle, We want Gayle, anxious to see the Jamaican who has played several seasons for the citys team in the glitzy Indian Premier League (IPL). He teased the crowd by stepping out of the bunker with his bat after the third wicket fell, bringing roars from the stadium, only to walk back inside. Great team win tonight. The Bengaluru crowd/fans always amazing, sorry yall didnt see me bat tonight but I will be back, Gayle posted on Twitter shortly after the Windies victory. Fletcher insisted he was not trying to steal Gayles limelight after his ferocious knock. I dont think anybody in the world can take his (Gayles) place, Fletcher said. Im (just) grateful for the opportunity to bat, the man of the match added. The West Indies are one of the weakest teams in Test cricket, but they remain a force in the shortest format and are gunning for their second World T20 title after winning the trophy in 2012. Andre Russell made 20 not out while Johnson Charles scored 10. Defending champions Sri Lanka have been struggling for form since winning the trophy two years ago, slumping to seventh in the world rankings. All-rounder Thisara Perera top scored for the islanders with 40, including five fours, after West Indies captain Darren Sammy won the toss and elected to field. Skipper Angelo Mathews chipped in with 20.