Gayle force Chris gives the Windies the edge

A half century from Chris Gayle helped give the West Indies the edge in their t20 World Cup semi final against Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The big opening smashed 75 runs from just 41 balls which included five boundaries and six sixes to help the West Indies record a total of 205-4 after Darren Sammy won the toss and choose to bat first in the hope of setting the Aussies a tricky run chase.

Thanks to Gayle, Sammy’s plan came to fruition with the Aussies needing to chase down a total of 206 to seal there place in the t20 World Cup final on Sunday evening against hosts, Sri Lanka.

Dwayne Bravo (37) and Marlon Samuels (26) offered Gayle support after the early loss of Johnson Charles (10) who was caught by Matthew Wade off the bowling of Mitchell Starc (1-32) in the 3rd over.

After a slow start during the power play overs the West Indies started to take control with Gayle and Samuel picking off Xavier Doherty (1-48) and David Hussey (0-22) at ease

Despite the loss of Samuels, Gayle and Pollard (38) punished some wayward bowling and fielding throughout their 4th wicket stand of 83 which included 25 runs from the final over which was bowled by Doherty to leave the Aussies facing a mammoth run chase.