Summary An unimpressed crowd repeatedly chanted "We want Gayle, We want Gayle", anxious to see the Jamaican
BANGALORE, (AFP) - Andre Fletcher insisted Sunday he was not trying to steal Chris Gayle s limelight after he powered the West Indies to a seven-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in their World Twenty20 match in Bangalore.
The 28-year-old smashed an unbeaten 84, including five sixes and six fours, as the Windies successfully chased down Sri Lanka s paltry score of 122 for nine.
Fletcher spearheaded the attack with his 64-ball knock in the absence of explosive opener Gayle, who suffered a tweak in his left hamstring while fielding and did not bat.
A Windies team spokesman told reporters that the 36-year-old s injury was "not major" but it raises questions about how much of the remaining tournament he will now play.
"I don t think anybody in the world can take his (Gayle s) place," Fletcher said.
"I m (just) grateful for the opportunity to bat," the man of the match added.
An unimpressed crowd repeatedly chanted "We want Gayle, We want Gayle", anxious to see the Jamaican who has played several seasons for the city s team in the glitzy Indian Premier League (IPL).
He teased the crowd by stepping out of the bunker with his bat after the third wicket fell, bringing roars from the stadium, only to walk back inside.
Gayle smashed a scorching century last week during the West Indies demolition of England by six wickets in their opening Group One Super 10 match.
Despite the injury, Gayle tweeted that he expected to play again in the tournament.
"Great team win tonight. The Bengaluru crowd/fans always amazing, sorry y all didn t see me bat tonight but I will be back," he wrote.
The West Indies are one of the weakest teams in Test cricket, but they remain a force in the shortest format and are gunning for their second World T20 title after winning the trophy in 2012.
"We back ourselves to win .. (the title) we now have two wins under our belt, Fletcher said.
