Chris Gayle smashed 133 not out to power holders West Indies into their third Champions Trophy final with a six-wicket victory over South Africa on Thursday.
The 27-year-old Jamaican stroked his third hundred of the tournament after a 154-run opening partnership with fellow left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul to guide West Indies to 262-4 in 44 overs in reply to South Africa’s 258-8.
They play world champions Australia in the final in Mumbai on Sunday.
Gayle’s second successive hundred, and 15th overall, was studded with 17 fours and three sixes as he continued to the end after Chanderpaul retired hurt with cramp.
Herschelle Gibbs top-scored with 77 for South Africa after skipper Graeme Smith elected to bat. — Reuters