Twenty20 World Championship 2009

ICC T20 WC: West Indies beat Australia

Chris Gayle was given a standing ovation at The Oval after his superb innings of 88 in 50 balls set the West Indies up for a seven-wicket victory over Australia. Gayle hammered six fours and six sixes, Brett Lee conceding 27 runs in one over, as the West Indies chased down their target of 170 in the 16th over.

Gayle added 133 for the first wicket with Andre Fletcher, who also played some fine strokes during his 53 which occupied 32 balls. Australia managed to post 169 for seven and that represented an excellent effort after they were reduced to 15 for three early on, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Bravo all picking up two wickets.

David Warner led the way with 63 in 53 balls before Brad Haddin (24), David Hussey (27) and Mike Hussey (28 not out) chipped in lower down the order. Ricky Ponting, who picked up a golden duck, tried seven bowlers but none of them could do anything about Gayle until Lee, who conceded 56 in his four overs, had him caught by Shane Watson at long-on.

Xavier Marshall fell for eight but there was no way back for Australia, Ramnaresh Sarwan (8 not out) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul were at the crease when the winning runs were scored.

Tags: Australia, t20 world cup, west indies