'India vulnerable against short ball'

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Captain Chris Gayle says West Indies were always aware the short ball would have been a weapon against India in their crucial Super Eight match of the World Twenty20 Championship on Sunday.

"They were always going to be vulnerable against the short ball. Every team has done it against them," Gayle said after West Indies trounced the Indians by 14 runs at Kensington Oval.

"They are a good all-round team but they don't have my height. They are very short and might have a bit of trouble on bouncier tracks. They are capable batters and have won matches for their team on many occasions.

"Maybe they might struggle on pitches like these but when they are on Indian conditions, they are very dangerous."

Chasing 170 for victory, India folded to the pace of the West Indies, crashing to 155 for nine from their 20 overs.

Speedster Kemar Roach led the way with two for 38, while the resurgent Jerome Taylor bowled with pace and hostility to subdue the Indian batsmen.

While the defeat put India on the brink of elimination from the tournament, it revived the Windies' hopes, with Australia to play in their final Super Eight match today.

critical introspection

Gayle said the team had done critical introspection following their humbling by Sri Lanka on Friday.

"It all boiled down to the discussion we had. I am happy with the result. This is what we wanted," the Jamaican said.

"It's been tremendous. We actually (had) to come out and give the fans something to cheer about, otherwise I am sure stones would (have been) thrown at this time.

"I am really happy with that and now it's on to St Lucia where the people there also love their cricket. This victory eased the pressure a bit, but not enough to relax."

West Indies will need to beat Australia to assure themselves of a spot in the semi-finals for the second successive year.