Chris Gayle’s unbeaten century sent England to a chastening six-wicket defeat by West Indies in their opening match of the World Twenty20 in Mumbai yesterday.Gayle struck 11 sixes in his 47-ball hundred, the joint-third fastest in T20 internationals and became the first man to score two tons in the World T20.
He took West Indies to their target of 183 with 11 balls to spare.Joe Root earlier made 48 in a total of 182-6, the highest score England have failed to defend in a Twenty20.
England, champions in 2010, next meet South Africa on Friday knowing that defeat would push them to the verge of elimination.Despite lifting the trophy six years ago, England have lost 15 of the 28 matches they have played in World T20 tournaments.
England 182-6 (20 overs): Root 48 (36), Russell 2-36
West Indies 183-4 (18.1 overs): Gayle 100 not out
