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Home  » Sports » Gayle ton in vain as Pakistan claim clean sweep

Gayle ton in vain as Pakistan claim clean sweep

November 17, 2008 09:38 IST
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Pacemen Rao Iftikhar and Umar Gul took seven wickets to overshadow Chris Gayle's brilliant hundred as Pakistan beat the West Indies by 31 runs in the third one-dayer to wrap up a 3-0 series whitewash on Sunday.

Gayle (122) reeled off his 18th one-day hundred and second of the series to keep Pakistan's total of 273 for six within sight until Iftikhar caused havoc in his second spell with four quick wickets.

The Pakistan total revolved around good knocks from Younis Khan (101) and Misbah-ul-Haq (79no).

Iftikhar was punished for 25 runs in his first spell of three overs before returning to pick up four wickets for nine runs in one devastating burst as the tourists slipped from 168 for one to 193 for six.

The slump began when Iftikhar broke the dangerous second-wicket partnership of 151 between Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan who made a flawless 62 from 73 balls before he misjudged a leg cutter.

In the 35th over Iftikhar struck a double blow first having the in-form Shivnarine Chanderpaul (3) caught at deep midwicket by Misbah and four balls later he bowled Xavier Marshall for a duck.

He also dismissed Shawn Findlay (5) while leg spinner Shahid Afridi, who was hit for three sixes by Gayle, had Brendan Nash caught behind for one to leave the innings in tatters.

Umar Gul struck the killer blow having Gayle caught behind with the Windies needing 42 runs from 37 balls.

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik described the clean sweep as a big step forward for his team.

"We have been short of international cricket this year and to return and complete a clean sweep to improve our rankings is great," he said.

Gayle lamented the missed opportunities blaming the inexperienced batting for the defeats.

It is the fourth time Pakistan have completed a clean sweep in a one-day series against the West Indies.

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Source: REUTERS
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