SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – Chris Gayle was dismissed cheaply in controversial fashion, as Sydney Thunder slumped to their fourth straight defeat in the Big Bash League Twenty20, when Perth Scorchers crushed them by nine wickets on Tuesday.
The estranged West Indies opener made 20 before he was dubiously dismissed caught behind off Nathan Coulter-Nile and the Thunder batting again self-destructing, crashing for 99 in 19.2 overs at the ANZ Stadium.
The Scorchers appealed strongly for a nick to the ‘keeper, after Gayle chased a wide ball from Coulter-Nile and stood his ground.
Umpire Mick Martell didn’t give him out, but a check with TV umpire revealed he edged the ball on the way through to Luke Ronchi behind the stumps.
“No, I didn’t touch it, really,” said Gayle. “But unfortunately when you are given out, you’ve got to go, so that’s unfortunate.
“I didn’t feel anything on the bat to be honest with you. . .It’s just part of the game, there’s nothing I could do about it.”
Once Gayle was removed, the Thunder suffered a batting meltdown, his dismissal triggering a collapse that saw six wickets fall for 30 runs in the space of 55 deliveries.
Mitchell Marsh then struck one four and five sixes an unbeaten 64 from 58 balls to lead Perth to victory.
The victory put the Scorchers at the top of the ladder with 10 points with the Thunder slipping to sixth on four points.
