CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) – Chris Gayle pummelled 77 from 31 balls to lead West Indies to a four-wicket win over South Africa in the first Twenty20 international today.
Gayle’s destructive innings, which included eight sixes, sent the West Indies to 168 for six and past South Africa’s 165 for four with four balls to spare. Even a couple of late wickets couldn’t prevent the West Indies taking an early lead in the three-match series.
For all South Africa’s dominance in the recent Test series, they slipped up in their first limited-overs challenge this year with the World Cup fast approaching. The teams will also contest a five-game One-Day series.
Rilee Rossouw scored 51 not out after South Africa won the toss and opted to bat at Newlands. But Gayle was unstoppable, smashing five fours along with his eight maximums.
Summarised scores:
South Africa 165-4 in 20 overs (Rilee Rossouw 51 n.o., Faf du Plessis 38, David Miller 24, Farhaan Behardien 18 n.o.; Morne van Wyk 17, Reeza Hendricks 12; Sheldon Cottrell 2-33). West Indies 168-6 in 19.2 overs (Chris Gayle 77, Marlon Samuels 41, Dwayne Smith 20; Imran Tahir 3-28, Wayne Parnell 2-39). West Indies won by four wickets.
