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November 3 - South Africa's national cricket hopes of winning the ICC Champions Trophy came to an
abrupt end yesterday when they were put to the sword by Chris Gayle in
yesterday's second semi-final.
The West Indies opener raced to an unbeaten 133 and the Calypso Kings doddled
home to win convincingly by 6 wickets with more than 6 overs to spare.
South Africa batted first and managed a respectable 258/8 in their 50 overs.
Gibbs made 77 in a welcome return to form, and was ably supported by DeVilliers
(run out by Lara when he was on 46).
The pitch was very easy to bat on, however, and there was a feeling around the
ground that the South Africans needed another 35 runs. As it turned out 300
probably wouldn't have sufficed on a day that belonged to Gayle.
The West Indies have dominated South Africa in recent major one-day
internationals, and this is their third victory on the trot in important
competitions. No win was easier than this one as Chanderpaul and Gayle looked
set to both bat throughout before the former had to retire hurt on 57.
The Windies only lost their first wicket with the score on 197 and the match
effectively decided.
The West Indies, who had to qualify for this tournament, will now face Australia
in a compelling final on Sunday November 5. The West Indies beat Australia in
group play earlier in this tournament thanks to a hat-trick by Taylor and a
gutsy batting display.
They will be huge betting underdogs to repeat that feat, but they have played
the best all-round cricket in this tournament.
Australia reached the final by beating New Zealand in the first semi-final. They
have surprisingly never won the ICC Trophy before and if they can work out a way
to dismiss Chris Gayle they could end that drought on Sunday.
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