FORT LAUDERDALE – Just after midday Saturday, roads leading into Central Broward Regional Park became gridlocked by hundreds of cars full of cricket fans attempting to get to the ground to see the historic Twenty20 match between West Indies and New Zealand.
The various flags and outfits were matched only by the savoury smells from the many stalls surrounding the ground. Any blindfolded fan would have sworn he was at cricket in the Caribbean – the many Asians in the stands might have suggested Bourda or Queen’s Park.
Just before the start, security helicopters buzzed the ground to make sure everything was secure.
The big hits rom Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard might have hit those low-flying machines had they not left in time.
The relentless heat and muggy conditions were exacerbated for the fielding New Zealanders as opener Dwayne Smith struck the first ball of the match for six.
Another six thrilled the fans who danced and waved, anticipating more fireworks.
A cameo by Smith and Johnson Charles did not satisfy the hyped-up crowd packing the stands and covering the expansive mounds, rocking to the strokes or the all-Caribbean sounds being played by the DJ.
The Digicel girls, carnival costumes and stiltwalkers maintained the Caribbean theme.
With the pitch playing slow, Gayle was not as explosive in the first half of his innings. The same could not be said of the giant Pollard, who immediately swatted the ball into the stands every time it was full or short.
Taking Pollard’s cue, Gayle began to cut loose, with the fans screaming “Welcome home!”
That welcome was over the moon after the Windies’ victory and Gayle’s being declared Man Of The Match – he was mobbed by fans.
The efforts of Gayle (85 not out off 52 balls) and Pollard (63 not out off 29 balls) propelled West Indies to 209 for two, paving the way for a 56-run victory after New Zealand were restricted to 153.
