West Indies players (left to right) Fidel Edwards, captain Brian Lara, Ridley Jacobs and Ramnaresh Sarwan celebrate while posing for photos after winning the fifth One Day International against Zimbabwe by eight wickets and the series 3-2 at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. - Reuters HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC:
CHRIS GAYLE, the West Indies Man-of-the-Series for their 3-2 One-Day International (ODI) triumph over Zimbabwe, is warning not to underestimate his bowling ability.
Gayle, a hard-hitting left-handed opening batsman, wrecked Zimbabwe's batting with his off-spin yesterday - taking four for 24 off 10 overs - that helped propel the West Indies to an eight-wicket victory in the fifth ODI.
He completed a fine game by smashing a compelling century, but it was his bowling that gave the West Indies the initial advantage in the game.
PART-TIME SPINNER
"I am a part-time spinner but don't underrate it because it can be very effective," Gayle said during the presentation ceremony.
The 23-year-old Jamaican was the leading wicket-taker - with seven wickets - for either side in the series, averaging 12.57 runs per wicket.
"The captain really has the faith in me to give me the ball and really get the job done. You have to vary it (the flight of the ball) a bit, the wicket was very slow at times, you have to vary it and it definitely worked for me," Gayle said.
After his outstanding bowling effort, Gayle steered the West Indies to their easy win with an unbeaten 112 off only 75 balls in an innings he described as one of his best.
"I rate this innings as one of my top three innings, I think it was a good innings, and I got the support from the guys, it was really tremendous and I am happy with that," said Gayle, who also commended Zimbabwe.
"Zimbabwe played well and it was a good series for us," he said.
Gayle ended the ODI series with an aggregate of 385 runs - including a career-best 153 not out in the first match in Bulawayo - at a remarkable average of 128.33.
