Gayle's ton steers Windies to easy win over Lanka

Chris Gayle struck a fine century after West Indies bowlers did a tremendous job early on as the hosts registered an emphatic six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Series at the Sabina Park in Kingston on Friday.

Chasing a target of 209 to win, Gayle was in destructive mood as he blasted a superb 109 off 100 deliveries with the help of nine boundaries and seven sixes.

Johnson Charles (29) and Darren Bravo (27) were the other contributors as West Indies overhauled the target in 37.5 overs.

This was Gayle's 21st ODI ton and third on this ground, the previous one coming against New Zealand last year.

Gayle got out with West Indies needing just 28 runs to win in 19 overs.

Skipper Dwayne Bravo and Marlon Samuels kept their cool to see the hosts through for a bonus-point win with 73 balls to spare.

Rangana Herath found himself at the receiving end of Gayle's onslaught.

Gayle got to his century with a cheeky single to mid-off.

Earlier, Sunil Narine and Ravi Rampaul bowled well in tandem as West Indies restricted Sri Lanka to 208 in 48.3 overs.
 
While Narine accounted for four wickets in his 10 overs, Rampaul took three. They were supported by Dwayne Bravo who claimed two.

Sri Lanka would have been in further trouble but half centuries from Mahela Jayawardene (52) and skipper Angelo Mathews (55 not out) they managed to cross the 200-run mark.

Captain Angelo Mathews top-scored with an unbeaten 55 for the visitors, while veteran Mahela Jayawardene chipped in with 52.

West Indies, which won the toss, fought back well after an opening stand of 62 in 13 overs between Jayawardene and left-hander Upul Tharanga. Captain Dwayne Bravo made the initial breakthrough by claiming Tharanga for 25 to an edge through to wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin.

West Indies stifled the Sri Lankans after that through Narine, the miserly Darren Sammy (10-0-34-0) and Rampaul. The long-serving pair of Jayawardene and Sangakkara were both prized out by Narine, the world's No. 1-ranked bowler. Jayawardene struck seven fours in a run-a-ball 52 before he tried to tuck to leg and spooned a catch off bat and pad for Ramdin to collect in the leg side.

Sangakkara (17) followed at 104-3, the left-hander lofting a drive straight to Kieron Pollard at extra cover. When part-time off-spinner Marlon Samuels grabbed the scalp of vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal (21), who chipped to midwicket, the visitors were 140-4 in the 32nd over and never fully recovered.

Mathews fought a lone hand as no other batsman reached double figures.

Fast bowler Rampaul ripped through the late middle order in the batting powerplay, removing Lahiru Thirimanne and Nuwan Kulasekara cheaply. Thirimanne lofted a slower ball to long-off while Kulasekara top-edged to deep backward square leg.

Narine claimed Jeevan Mendis and Rampaul added the wicket of Rangana Herath before the Sri Lankans limped past 200. Narine claimed his fourth wicket with a doosra to have Lasith Malinga lbw and Bravo wrapped up the innings by having last man Ajantha Mendis caught at slip.

Mathews remained not out after hitting five fours off 77 balls.

West Indies skipper Bravo finished with 2-37.

WEST INDIES INNINGS

West Indies need 11 more to win as they reach 198-4 in 36 overs.

K Pollard lbw b Kulasekara 0 (4b 0x4 0x6)

Action in the middle. A sudden fall of wickets as Windies lose Pollard. West Indies are 193-4 in 33.4 overs.

D Bravo run out 27 (30b 4x4 0x6)

West Indies lose another wicket. Totally uncalled for as Bravo departs. 190-3 in 31.3 overs.

C Gayle c Chandimal b A Mendis 109 (100b 9x4 7x6)

Gayle finally succumbs. But he has done the job for West Indies. They are 181-2 in 31 overs.

Gayle reaches his 21st ODI century. A great knock as the crowd joins the celebrations. West Indies are 168-1 in 28 overs

West Indies need another 53 to win from 144 balls. Gayle is on 98 as the hosts reach 156-1 in 26 overs.

A boundary from Bravo and West Indies are 151-1 in 25 overs. They need another 58 to win.

Everything going smoothly for West Indies. They are 141-1 in 24 overs. Gayle on 92.

Herath is not finding his line and Gayle adding to his problems. He gets a six and a boundary to reach his 90s. West Indies are 135-1 in 23 overs.

West Indies are 116-1 in 21 overs.

J Charles c Jayawardene b Herath 29 (58b 1x4 2x6)

Sri Lanka finally picks up a wicket. Charles goes. West Indies are 115-1 in 20.2 overs.

Gayle smashes another six and West Indies reach 109-0 in 20 overs. They need 100 more from 180 balls.

A boundary from Charles and West Indies are 98-0 in 19 overs.

Just three runs from that over. West Indies are 92-0 in 18 overs.

West Indies are 89-0 in 17 overs.

Charles finally gets a good hit from his bat. Smacks a lovely six. West Indies are 82-0 in 16 overs. They need 127 in 34 overs.

Gayle gets to his half century, while his partner Charles is still on 8 facing 42 balls. West Indies are 70-0 in 15 overs.

Another good over from Mendis this time. West Indies are 63-0 in 14 overs.

Only three runs from that over of Mathews. West Indies are 60-0 in 13 overs.

Gayle gets a top edged six off Malinga and West Indies are 57-0 in 12 overs. They need 152 to win in 38 overs.

West Indies reach 50-0 in 11 overs.

Gayle gets just one ball in the over and he hammers it to a boundary. West Indies are 48-0 in 10 overs.

Mendis concedes only a run. But West Indies are strongly placed. They reach 42-0 in 9 overs.

Gayle continues the assault. He is dealing in boundaries and sixes. West Indies are 41-0 in 8 overs.

Gayle gets a huge one. Straight six off Mendis and West Indies are 25-0 in 7 overs.

Charles is lucky as skipper Mathews misses an easy chance. Sri Lanka can't afford those. West Indies are 18-0 in 6 overs.

Mendis bowls and concedes only two runs. Good start for him. West Indies are 16-0 in 5 overs.

A maiden over from Kulashekara. West Indies are 14-0 in 4 overs.

Runs coming easily for Windies. A four from Gayle and four byes take the hosts to 14-0 in 3 overs.

A boundary from Gayle and Windies are 5-0 in 2 overs.

West Indies chase an relatively easier target of 209. They are 1-0 in 1 over.

SRI LANKA INNINGS

Sunil Narine and Ravi Rampaul bowled well in tandem as West Indies restricted Sri Lanka to 208 in 48.3 overs in the opening match of the Tri-Nation Series at the Sabina Park in Kingston.
 
While Narine accounted for four wickets in his 10 overs, Rampaul took three. They were supported by Dwayne Bravo who claimed two.

Sri Lanka would have been in further trouble but half centuries from Mahela Jayawardene (52) and skipper Angelo Mathews (55 not out) they managed to cross the 200-run mark.
 
A Mendis c Charles b DJ Bravo 2 (5b 0x4 0x6)

Bravo takes the last wicket and Sri Lanka are 208 all out in 48.3 overs.

L Malinga lbw b Narine 8 (9b 0x4 1x6)

Narine is on a roll. Takes his fourth wicket. Sri Lanka are 205-9 in 47.3 overs.

Three overs remain and Sri Lanka are 198-8 in 47 overs. Hope to see some good hitting from Mathews.

Mathews fights hard as he get to an important half century. Sri Lanka are 193-8 in 46.

R Herath c Sammy b Rampaul 4 (8b 0x4 0x6)

Rampaul also takes his third wicket as Herath departs. Sri Lanka are 190-8 in 44.1 overs

Just two runs and Sri Lanka are 190-7 in 44 overs.

Nine from the over. This partnership will be crucial for the visitors. Sri Lanka reach 188-7 in 43 overs.

Mathews is the only hope for Sri Lanka. He is going steady at 41. Sri Lanka are 179-7 in 42 overs.

J Mendis c Samuels b Narine 5 (12b 0x4 0x6)

Narine continues to destroy Sri Lanka. Bags his third wicket as Sri Lanka are 176-7 in 41.1 overs.

Good over for Sri Lanka as they get eight runs off it. They are 173-6 in 40 overs.

Mathews is the man in focus. He has to stay till the end if Sri Lanka were to put up a good total. Sri Lanka are 165-6 in 39 overs.

N Kulasekara c Pollard b Rampaul 2 (6b 0x4 0x6)

Wickets tumbling at Sabina Park. Sri Lanka lose Kulashekara. Sri Lanka are 159-6 in 37.2 overs.

West Indies in good position. Sri Lanka are 153-5 in 36 overs.

L Thirimanne c Charles b Rampaul 6 (19b 1x4 0x6)

It's getting tougher for Sri Lanka. They lose another wicket as Thirimanne departs. Lanka are 151-5 in 35.3 overs.

Drinks and Sri Lanka are 149-4 in 35 overs.

West Indies bowlers continue to impress. Sri Lanka are 146-4 in 34 overs.

Thirimanne gets a boundary and Sri Lanka are 145-4 in 34 overs.

D Chandimal c D Bravo b Samuels 21 (37b 1x4 1x6)

Pressure was getting to Sri Lanka and Chandimal succumbs. Sri Lanka are 140-4 in 31.1 overs.

West Indies are doing a good job here. Runs not coming freely for Sri Lanka as they reach 140-3 in 31 overs.

Sri Lanka are 137-3 in 30 overs.

Two runs only and Sri Lanka get to 136-3 in 29 overs.

That's the first six for Sri Lanka, comes from Chandimal. Sri Lanka are 134-3 in 28 overs.

Two runs from that over. Sri Lanka are 119-3 in 26 overs.

Mathews survives after Gayle drops him at the slip. He punishes then one to the boundary as Sri Lanka reach 117-3 in 25 overs.

Narine continues to bowl well. Sri Lanka are 112-3 in 24 overs.

K Sangakkara c Pollard b Narine 17 (23b 1x4 0x6)

Brilliant bowling from Narine. Picks up another big wicket of Sangakkara. Sri Lanka are 104-3 in 22 overs.

Sangakkara slowly opens up. A boundary from him takes Sri Lanka past 100. They are 103-2 in 21 overs.

Another good over from Narine despite a boundary. Sri Lanka are 94-2 in 20 overs.

West Indies are fighting back. Just one run from that over as Sri Lanka are 86-2 in 19 overs.

M Jayawardene c Ramdin b Narine 52 (52b 7x4 0x6)

Jayawardene reaches his half century and then departs. Soft dismissal as Narine strikes in his first over. Sri Lanka are 85-2 in 18 overs.

Only two runs from that over. Sri Lanka are 81-1 in 17 overs.

Sri Lanka is a fine position. Jayawardene going strong as Sri Lanka reach 78-1 in 16 overs.

Five runs coming off that over and Sri Lanka are 69-1 in 15 overs.

Man in form Sangakkara joins Mahela. Sri Lanka are 64-1 in 14 overs.

U Tharanga c Ramdin b D Bravo 25 (43b 3x4 0x6)

Bravo gives Windies the first break as Tharanga is caught behind. Sri Lanka are 62.1 in 13.1 overs.

Boundaries have dried up. But Sri Lanka on right track losing no wickets. They are 60-0 in 12 overs.

Sri Lanka are 54 for no loss in 11 overs.

Sri Lanka have put a good show not losing wickets in the first 10 overs of Powerplay. They are 50-0. Jayawardene is batting on 31.

Sammy to bowl. Sri Lanka slowing down a bit. Only two runs from that over as Sri Lanka reach 45-0 in 9 overs.

West Indies get a good over. Only four runs coming from that as Sri Lanka reach 43-0 in 8 overs.

Two boundaries from Jayawardene. Boundaries coming quite frequently as Sri Lanka reach 39-0 in 7 overs.

Five runs including a boundary from that over. Sri Lanka are 25-0 in 6 overs.

Two boundaries from Jayawardene off Roach bowling and Sri Lanka are going nicely at 20-0 in 5 overs.

Tharanga gets a boundary and Sri Lanka are 8-0 in 3 overs.

Ravi Rampaul to bowl from the other end. Gives away just three runs. Sri Lanka are 3-0 after 2 overs.

Fine outswingers from Roach as West Indies begin with a maiden over. Sri Lanka are 0-0 after 1 over.

Upul Tharanga and Jayawardene open for Sri Lanka. Kemar Roach to bowl.

The weather's not looking great, it's gone a bit dark. But still there is hope for a fantastic match after both had disappointing exit at Champions Trophy.

Dwayne Bravo wins the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat first in the opening match of the tri-series at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica on Friday.

PLAYING XI

West Indies - C Gayle, J Charles, D Bravo, M Samuels, D Bravo, K Pollard, D Ramdin, D Sammy, S Narine, R Rampaul, K Roach

Sri Lanka - U Tharanga, M Jayawardene, K Sangakkara, D Chandimal, A Mathews, L Thirimanne, J Mendis, N Kulasekara, R Herath, A Mendis, L Malinga

Chris Gayle is relishing the prospect of revelling at home as West Indies aim to bounce back from a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign when the ODI tri-series involving India and Sri Lanka begins on Friday.

The record-breaking left hander says West Indies will seek to "stamp their authority" by using the home advantage to maximum in the seven-match competition.

"Its all good. We were bubbling in England but we were disappointed with how we got bounced out of the tournament and this is a new tournament now and everybody is starting back from scratch and Sunday we will be coming up against the Champions Trophy champion, so it will be interesting," said Gayle.

West Indies take on Sri Lanka in the opening match at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica on Frday.

"We should use the home advantage to the best of our (abilities) and capitalise on that. They won't be in their comfort zone so we have to put the pressure on them as much as possible and let them know that we are home and stamp our authority," he was quoted as saying by 'Jamaica Observer'.

Gayle feels all the three teams - India, West Indies and Sri Lanka - would know the strength and weaknesses of each team having played in the Champions Trophy.

“The good thing about it, during the Champions Trophy we get to play both teams. We played Sri Lanka in a warm-up which we actually won and India beat us in the second game, so we know their strengths and weaknesses and it is viceversa from their point of view as well so the first game is going to be important for us,” pointed out Gayle who has the impressive record of 20 ODI centuries with a top score of 175, scoring over 8,000 runs at an average of 38.

The last time Gayle played an ODI in Jamaica he smashed 125 from 107 balls enabling the West Indies to victory over New Zealand and the big hitter is hoping for a repeat performance in front of his home fans.

“It is overdue. It's been a while and last year I got a hundred here and hopefully this time I can get another one here,” said Gayle who smashed the fastest century ever in the history of the game during IPL6 off just 30 balls.

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