Gayle leads Windies to victory over Kenya

Chris Gayle and Leon Garrick shared a first wicket stand of 116 to lead West Indies to a seven wicket win over Kenya in the third and final one day international on Sunday.

Gayle, a left-hander from Jamaica, thumped 70 runs off 70 balls, which included nine boundaries and two sixes, and Garrick made 76 as Windies overhauled Kenya's 232 for seven in 50 overs with 17 balls to spare.

Gayle was adjudged man of the series, which West Indies won 3-0, following his magnificent knock of 152 in the opening match on Wednesday.

West Indies captain Carl Hooper paid tribute to Kenya for their efforts in the series.

"We played our best cricket today because we were warned back home that Kenya are a good side. This is good practice for our Sri Lanka tour next month," Hooper said.

Kenya captain Maurice Odumbe attributed the loss to his side's inexperience but was optimistic about the future.

"We are looking forward to some good matches... starting with the triangular series in South Africa in October," Odumbe said.

Kenya were always struggling after the flying start made by the West Indies openers. Gayle, particularly savage on Peter Ochieng, rushed to his 50 off 46 balls.

Garrick survived a close run-out call in the 30th over but went on to complete a half century off 98 balls.

By the time man-of-the-match Steve Tikolo bowled Garrick in the 40th over with 76 runs off 122 balls, including seven fours, Kenya were on the ropes.

Wavell Hinds, who made an unbeaten 44, hit the winning runs with a four off Hitesh Modi.

Earlier, Tikolo had built on a solid foundation provided by Kenya's openers David Obuya (34) and Ravindu Shah (29), hitting 71 runs off 65 balls.

Neil McGarrell took three wickets but Tikolo, who took the score from 74 to 208, found useful support from Thomas Odoyo (31) and Modi (29 not out).

Mail Cricket Editor