Chris Gayle and Devon Smith give a good start to West Indies against Netherlands in the ICC World Cup
West Indies got off to a flying start against the Netherlands in their 2011 ICC World Cup match as the Caribbean Kings amassed 141 for the loss of one wicket in 25 overs. The match is being played at Feroz Shah Kotla, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Delhi-c780.
The Netherlands captain Peter Borren elected to field first after winning the toss. Bowling is not their strength, which forced the Dutch captain to field first in good batting conditions. Batting second, they will have a better chance of winning the match.
However, it will be important for the Dutch to restrict the West Indian team below 300; otherwise the chase will be difficult for them.
The innings was started by Devon Smith and Chris Gayle for their team. However, the players switched roles in the match as Gayle was on the defensive whereas; Smith attacked the opposition.
The pair gave a solid opening stand of 100 runs to their team in just 16.2 overs. Smith played very well for his 53 runs off 51 balls. He struck nine fours in his innings, but failed to capitalize on the start he got.
The left-handed opener was trying to cut a ball, which was too close to his body. He only managed a thin edge, which was held safely by the wicketkeeper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wesley-Barresi-c96487 behind the stumps.
The downfall of Smith brought the promising Darren Bravo at the crease and the youngster didn’t have too many problems settling down. Bravo was not-out on 11 off 21 balls, and his job was also made easy by the explosive Gayle, who was unbeaten on 67 runs
from 78 balls until half way through the innings.
Gayle started off the innings quietly, but exploded later and smashed seven fours and two towering sixes in his innings. He will be looking forward to score a big innings today in order to get some form ahead of some tough pool matches to come.
West Indies will be eyeing a massive total after the start they have got. Gayle will be the key for them in order to post anything more than 320.
Bernard Loots was the lone wicket-taker for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 below 300.
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