As the T20 World Cup progresses, the Caribbean side will undoubtedly be looking to add more such monumental totals to their illustrious history
The anticipation is palpable for the Super Eight showdown between England and the West Indies at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground on June 20, 2024. Fans are buzzing with excitement, eager to witness the Caribbean flair that has defined West Indies cricket.
Before the action kicks off, let's rewind and relive the moments when the West Indies lit up the T20 World Cup with their highest team totals. These unforgettable innings, filled with towering sixes and aggressive stroke play, highlight why the West Indies are such an enthralling team to watch in the shortest format.
On a day when Chris Gayle unleashed a torrent of runs, scoring a jaw-dropping 117, the West Indies amassed a formidable 205 for 6 against South Africa. Gayle's innings, laden with sixes and fours, were the highest individual score in a T20 international at the time.
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Gayle hitting a six
However, it turned out to be a pyrrhic effort as Herschelle Gibbs led South Africa to a stunning chase, clinching victory with 14 balls to spare. South Africa's response was clinical, with Gibbs' unbeaten 90 and Justin Kemp's 46 orchestrating a flawless chase. Despite Gayle's heroics, the Windies were left to rue their lacklustre bowling and fielding, epitomised by their staggering 23 wides.
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Gayle on fire
In a semi-final showdown at Colombo, the West Indies steamrolled Australia to post a massive 205 for 4. Chris Gayle, the linchpin, scored an unbeaten 75, while Kieron Pollard added a blistering 38. Their efforts ensured a colossal total, leaving Australia in tatters at 43 for 6, a situation from which they could not recover. George Bailey’s valiant 63 from 29 balls was a mere footnote in a game dominated by Caribbean charisma.
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Simmons slips the match from India
In a semi-final clash dripping with drama, Lendl Simmons' unbeaten 82 led the West Indies to a stunning chase of 193 against India. Virat Kohli’s masterful 89* had initially set a daunting target, but Simmons, aided by fortuitous reprieves (twice caught off no-balls), spearheaded the chase with aplomb. Johnson Charles chipped in with a crucial 52, ensuring the Windies reached the target with three balls to spare.
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Watson sets the stage for the Aussies
The West Indies posted a challenging 191 for 8, thanks to quickfire half-centuries from Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels. However, Australia, led by Shane Watson’s all-round brilliance, chased down the target under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Watson's 41* and 2 for 29 dismantled the Windies' hopes as rain intervened, with Australia comfortably ahead.
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Gayle with his iconic celebration
At the Wankhede Stadium, Chris Gayle’s unbeaten 100 propelled the West Indies to 183 for 4, chasing down England’s 182 with ease. Gayle’s century, which included 11 sixes, was a display of sheer power and dominance, leaving England's bowlers helpless. His 47-ball blitzkrieg remains one of the fastest T20 World Cup centuries, ensuring a memorable six-wicket victory.
The West Indies have time and again demonstrated their penchant for high-octane, power-hitting cricket. From Chris Gayle's thunderous centuries to Simmons' calculated chases, their approach has been nothing short of exhilarating. These matches highlight the Windies' ability to pile on runs and deliver memorable performances, even if sometimes the bowling does not quite match up to the batting prowess.
