Darren Sammy’s West Indies were crowned the new World Twenty20 champions on Sunday after a 36-run victory over hosts Sri Lanka in a dramatic final in Colombo.
The West Indies, restricted to 6-137 after electing to bat, hit back to bowl Sri Lanka out for 101 and silence a sell-out crowd of 35,000 at the Premadasa stadium that included President Mahinda Rajapakse.
It was the first world title for the West Indies since the 50-over World Cup triumph under Clive Lloyd in 1979, and handed Sri Lanka their fourth defeat in a major final since 2007.
Spinner Sunil Narine grabbed three wickets for nine runs and Sammy took two as the hosts, who had excelled in the field in the first session, undid the good work with irresponsible batting in the second.
Skipper Mahela Jayawardene survived two dropped catches to top-score with 33, while tailender Nuwan Kulasekara hit 26 off 13 balls, including three fours and a six in the 16th over of seamer Ravi Rampaul.
Sri Lanka’s unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis had taken four wickets for 12 runs as the West Indies collapsed once Chris Gayle was removed in the sixth over for only three runs.
Marlon Samuels was the only batsman to defy the spot-on Sri Lankan bowling, making 78 off 56 balls with the help of six sixes and three boundaries.
His brilliant strokeplay helped the West Indies add 105 runs in the last 10 overs after they were reduced to 2-32 from the first 10.
Sri Lanka lost opener Tillakaratne Dilshan in the second over before Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara added 42 for the second wicket.
The hosts were cruising at 1-48 in the 10th over when the West Indies bounced back by claiming four wickets for 13 runs.
Sangakkara holed out in the deep off Samuel Badree for 22, Angelo Mathews was bowled by Darren Sammy, Jayawardene was caught off a reverse sweep and Jeevan Mendis ran himself out.
Sri Lanka have now lost two successive 50-over World Cup finals in 2007 and 2011 and two World Twenty20 finals in 2009 and 2012.
ann
Guest
thanks this
DC of nz
Guest
I believe that Ravi Rampauls corker of a delivery to knock top of off stump vs Dilshan was the ball of the tournament and won them the cup The windies fielding in the deep was awesome too ...
mactheblack
Guest
No room for Sarwan when and if he returns? Samuels innings one of the best T20 innings' ever. His side was nowhere after 10 overs (30-odd/2), and getting to 130 was more than they expected! T20 can be unpredictable, just as it is brutal. Slinga Malinga's lack of variety actually pulled Windies through. Which was surprising as he is always Lanka's go-to man. Happy for the Windies indeed, almost like the good old days under Lloyd. I note Sammy says there's better things to come .. oh we can only hope, unless he was caught up in the euphoria of the moment. Windies, as excitging as they are, have yet, besides their T20 victory to deliver in the modern era. The cricketing world won't begrudge them their win; they have shown what they are capable of. Now all their fans want is consistency! Well done Calypso Kings!
Rhys
Guest
Great win by the Windies. There is an enormous amount of talent in that side, and in Darren Sammy they have a captain who can galvanise eleven talented cricketers into a team of world beaters (at T20 level). There is no reason that winning form can't be extended to 50 over cricket, though they might still be short one or two genuine strike bowlers.
Brian
Guest
It was a great game and the most enjoyment I've had watching cricket for a long time. It was both topsy turvy but most importantly both sides and their supporters really wanted to win. The Sri Lankan players and supporters reminded me of the Hawthorn ones from the AFL GF. Game itself was great West Indies looked way gone and Samuels played the best innings I've seen in a long time. Its one thing to look like you will hit every 2nd ball for six. Its another to do it on a pitch where no one else from either side managed to easily rotate singles.
Brendon
Guest
If Australia can't win then I think West Indies would be a very popular second choice. On paper they have a strong T20 team but I hope they can start giving good performances in 50 over and test cricket.