West Indies have sent an unequivocal message to fellow World Twenty20 finalists England that they are far from a one-man team, according to their victorious skipper Darren Sammy.
Despite ferocious opener Chris Gayle, so often West Indies’ most fearsome weapon, falling for just five, his side still managed to chase down their victory target of 193 to stun hosts India in yesterday’s semi-final in Mumbai.
India had posted 192-2 from their 20 overs after Virat Kohli’s unbeaten knock of 89, although the West Indies retaliated to win by seven wickets with two deliveries to spare. Lendl Simmons top scored with a stunning 51-ball 83.
England, winners in 2010, now face the West Indies in Sunday’s final in Kolkata. The victors will become the first side in World Twenty20 history to be crowned tournament champions twice.
“Chris Gayle is our best Twenty20 player but we have 15 match-winners. In the games we have won, someone has taken responsibility to chase down totals,” said Sammy.
“It’s [victory against India] a big step. We came here on a mission. We feel it is very much this West Indian side and the coaching staff versus everybody else.
“We have got one game left, one step left to take against England and on Sunday we will look to take that step in the best way we can.”
Simmons, who only arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday as a replacement for Andre Fletcher having initially pulled out of the West Indies squad due to injury, was the star of the show, although opener Johnson Charles struck 52 and Andre Russell 43 not out. (Ross McLean, City.A.M.)
LOVE THE CONFIDENCE THE WI TEAM IS SHOWING, BRING THOSE GLORY DAYS BACK…… WINNING IS CONTAGIOUS.