Fletcher shines as West Indies down Sri Lanka without Gayle

AFP:Andre Fletcher powered the West Indies to a comprehensive seven- wicket victory against Sri Lanka in their World Twenty20 match in Bangalore on Sunday, even without destructive opener Chris Gayle. The 28-year-old smashed an unbeaten 84, including five sixes and six fours, as the Windies successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s paltry score of 122 for nine. Fletcher spearheaded the attack with his 64-ball knock in the absence of explosive opener suffered Gayle, who suffered a tweak in his left hamstring while fielding during Sunday’s match and did not bat. A Windies team representative told reporters that the 36-year-old’s injury was “not major” but it raises questions about whether he will play in the rest of the tournament. An unimpressed crowd 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. Gayle smashed a scorching century last week during the West Indies’ demolition of England by six wickets in their opening Group One Super 10 match. 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. - Struggling Sri Lanka - Johnson Charles made 10, before chopping the ball onto his stumps, while Marlon Samuels was gone for three and wicket keeper Danesh Ramdin was bowled for five. Andre Russell was not out on 20. Defending champions Sri Lanka have been struggling for form since winning the trophy two years ago, slumping to seventh in the world rankings. On Sunday, they posted 122 for nine after West Indies captain Darren Sammy won the toss and elected to field. All-rounder Thisara Perera top scored for Sri Lanka with 40, including five fours, off 29 balls at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, while skipper Angelo Mathews chipped in with 20. Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan, the star for Sri Lanka in their win over Afghanistan last week, started in promising style, smacking a six off the second ball. But the 39-year-old was sent packing in the third over, lbw to Carlos Braithwaite. His opening partner Dinesh Chandimal made a quick 16 runs from 18 balls before he was sensationally run out, thanks to some quick fielding by Johnson Charles at cover. Chandimal wanted a swift single and took off down the pitch, but was sent scampering back by Lahiru Thirimanne at the other end. Thirimanne was gone just seven balls later for five, as the wickets tumbled thanks to solid West Indies bowling led by leg spinner Samuel Badree. Perera and Mathews combined to steady the ship, adding 44 runs for the sixth wicket, before the captain was caught behind. Perera was caught at the boundary in the final over by Russell. The West Indies now play South Africa in Nagpur on Friday while Sri Lanka next meet England in New Delhi on the following day.

Mathews speaks out

In his post match comments Sri Lanka Captain Angelo Mathews said: “I thought we were 20-30 runs short and we were horrible in the field. The middle order let us down. It was really difficult for us today. We wanted 150 somehow but couldn’t do it.” Darren Sammy said: “It was good to see the way we bowled. And then the way Fletcher batted was brilliant. I’m happy as a captain. When you select someone and they have an impact you are happy. The spinners are the ones getting the wickets and keeping down the rate. The way Badree and Benn bowled in the Powerplay. I hope Chris will be okay but today showed we aren’t a one-man show. We have 15 potential matchwinners.” Man of the match Andre Fletcher said: “As the ball got older it became harder so I just tried to bat through. Chris is my mentor in T20 and before I went in he said I would have a big day so I want to thank him for that confidence. But I don’t think anyone can take his job. The bowlers did their job and the batsmen had to finish it. Good to have another win. We are all as one, unity and strength. We don’t want to get complacent and will play each game as a final.” (Source: ESPNCrickinfo.com