westindies beat england in super8

Charles, Gayle lift West Indies to 179-5

PALLEKELE: Openers Johnson Charles and Chris Gayle notched aggressive half-centuries to propel West Indies to 179-5 in the Super Eights group one match against England at Pallekele stadium on Thursday.
Charles smashed three sixes and 10 well-timed boundaries in his 56-ball 84 while Gayle hit four sixes and six fours in his 35-ball 58 after West Indies won the toss and decided to bat.
West Indies had raced to 103 by 11th over when Gayle was finally out, caught by Steven Finn at long-on off as the left-hander tried to hit Graeme Swann out of the ground.
Three of his sixes came in one over from left-arm spinner Samit Patel.
But Gayle's dismissal allowed England to pull back as they dismissed Marlon Samuels (two) and Kieron Pollard (one) in quick succession, with Stuart Broad claiming one wicket besides bowling a maiden over.
Charles finally holed out at mid-on, missing a low Jade Dernbach full toss and was caught by Jonathon Bairstow.
Broad was the pick of England bowlers with 2-26.
Earlier Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in a sensational Super over finish after both teams were tied in the 40-over contest, giving the Super Eights stage an interesting start. (AFP)