Share

Windies confident of Gayle fitness

Wellington - West Indies believe Chris Gayle will have a major impact on Saturday's Cricket World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand even if he's only half fit.

Gayle missed Sunday's six-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in Napier, which secured the West Indies' place in the last eight, after failing to shrug off his latest back problem.

In his absence, Johnson Charles, originally summoned to replace Darren Bravo, seized his opportunity to impress with a fine innings of 55.

"Chris had the same back problem over the last year, and sometimes he has good days and sometimes he has bad days. Obviously, he's a key player for us, and his fitness is key going into the quarter-final," said captain Jason Holder.

"I'm sure he'll be up for it even if he's not a hundred percent. It's an important game and he's a big player, you know what big players can do on big days. I'm sure he'll be up for it even if he's not 100 percent."

Gayle, 35 has had a roller-coaster tournament with his World Cup record 215 against Zimbabwe in Canberra on February 24 being the only time he has got past 50.

Johnson's half century against the UAE will put the pressure on Gayle's opening partner Dwayne Smith to keep his place after a miserable tournament in which his top score is just 31 in six innings.

"Obviously, Johnson had a very good day. And I would say he's pretty much secured a spot for the next game. But we'll sit down, discuss and see what conditions we're up against and make a decision," said Holder.

New Zealand have won 23 of the 53 completed ODIs against the West Indies but lost their last meeting, in Hamilton in 2014, by 203 runs.

However, the Black Caps will still be favourites to make the semi-finals, having won all of their six group games in the first round.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE