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C Gayle
Man of the Match |
Jaipur, Nov 2: Holders West Indies rode on the sheer brilliance of centurion Chris Gayle to pull off an upset six-wicket win over South Africa and stride into the final of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament here today.
West Indies, who registered their third semi-final victory over the South Africans after wins in the 1998 and 2004 editions, will now meet world champions Australia in the title clash in Mumbai on November 5.
The Caribbeans owed their victory to Gayle who made a mockery of the seemingly competitive target with his breathtaking display of aggressive batting during his unbeaten knock of 133 that came off just 135 balls and contained 17 fours and three sixes.
It was only apt that Gayle hit the winning runs, a powerful four off Robin Peterson, to bring cheers in the West Indies dressing room.
The 27-year-old opener infact thrashed the daylight out of all the other South African bowlers as West Indies overhauled the South African total of 258 for 8 with as many as six overs to spare in a completely one-sided contest at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Gayle, playing his 150th ODI, also stitched the highest partnernship of the tournament so far with Shivnarine Chanderpaul of 154 runs before the latter retired hurt with leg cramps on 57.
Scorecard
(Agencies)
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