/ 2 December 2007

Gayle injured as West Indies level series

Chris Gayle and Runako Morton scored half-centuries in West Indies’ 110-run win over Zimbabwe in the second one-day international on Sunday.

Gayle scored 58 before retiring injured and Morton hit 79 as the visitors levelled the five-match series at 1-1.

The West Indians were made to pay a high price for their success when captain Gayle was carried off on a stretcher with a hamstring injury.

West Indies, who scored 286-9 after being put in to bat, dismissed Zimbabwe for 176 in 44.3 overs.

Gayle and Morton shared 120 runs for the second wicket before Gayle attempted to take a quick single and sustained his injury.

Dwayne Bravo took over the captaincy and West Indies team management told reporters the extent of Gayle’s injury would be known on Monday.

Off-spinner Prosper Utseya had Morton caught by Chamu Chibhabha at extra cover in the 35th over, the start of a slide that saw West Indies lose seven wickets for 111 runs.

Zimbabwe’s reply proceeded in fits and starts. Stuart Matsikenyeri’s 37 was their top score, and the 59 that he and Keith Dabengwa (24) put on for the sixth wicket was the biggest partnership of the innings.

Leg-spinner Rawl Lewis took 3-43.

Zimbabwe won the first match by 30 runs in Harare on Friday and the third, also in Harare, will be played on Tuesday. — Reuters