BRISBANE, Australia, CMC – Chris Gayle sparked all too briefly as Western Australia Warriors crashed to a 37-run loss to Queensland Bulls, to miss out on a place in the preliminary final of the Twenty20 Big Bash yesterday.
The left-handed opener managed just 17 from nine balls as the Warriors, chasing the Bulls’ 203 for seven off their 20 overs, could only muster 166 for five at the Gabba.
Gayle, who missed Western Australia’s last three matches with injury, got off to a typically explosive start smashing the sixth ball he received from fast bowler Nathan Rimmington behind square for six.
The Windies captain then eased into high gear with successive boundaries off medium pacer Ryan Harris in the next over. He belted the fourth delivery over mid off and the very next ball disappeared to the ropes at mid-wicket.
Gayle survived a dropped chance to mid off off the next ball but failed to capitalize on this. He then hit his wicket the next ball he faced two overs later, disturbing his off stump with his bat as he attempting a big drive at 31 for two in the fifth over.
Wes Robinson came to his side’s rescue with 51 from 40 balls, sharing 46 for the third wicket with Adam Voges whose 23 came from 16 balls.
Luke Ronchi hammered 34 from 27 balls but could not find the acceleration needed as Ben Cutting (2-30) and Jamie Hopes (2-30) grabbed two wickets apiece.
Earlier, Chris Simpson slammed a scintillating 76 from 38 balls with 11 fours and three sixes, to be the key to Queensland’s innings.
Craig Philipson followed up with an unbeaten 46 down the order to ensure the hosts got the late flourish they needed.
