Tough for West Indies to beat Pakistan in UAE, says Gayle

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Tough for West Indies to beat Pakistan in UAE, says Gayle
Chris Gayle during a karachi Kings event in Dubai (Photo by Juidin Bernarrd)

Dubai - Gayle excited to be part of Karachi Kings

By Rituraj Borkakoty
 


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Published: Fri 21 Oct 2016, 8:45 PM

Last updated: Fri 21 Oct 2016, 10:54 PM

Chris Gayle is no longer part of the West Indies Test team, but that hasn't stopped the T20 superstar from following his team in the traditional form of the game.
Gayle, who last played a Test match in September 2014, says he still follows the Caribbeans in five-day matches. 
And he was delighted with the way a young West Indies team fought against Pakistan, the world number two Test team, in the recent day-night Test in Dubai.

"I don't watch all the matches, but yes I do follow the scores and the results of all West Indies games," Gayle, one of the only four men to have hit two triple centuries in Tests, told Khaleej Times during an exclusive interview in Dubai.

"Yes, I am glad that they were able to fight against a good team in the Dubai Test. I wish them all the best for the next two matches."
A heroic second innings effort from the talented Darren Bravo (116) almost took the West Indies to victory against Misbah-ul Haq's team in Dubai. 
Will that now inspire Jason Holder's team? 
"It's actually going to be tough for them to beat Pakistan in the UAE," Gayle said matter-of-factly.
"The Pakistanis have lot of experience of playing in UAE conditions. Also the West Indies are a very young team. But I am keeping my fingers crossed as you never know what will happen in cricket!"
As for his own T20-laden adventure, Gayle says he is excited to be part of Karachi Kings in next year's Pakistan Super League. 
"Yes I am very excited to be a part of a new franchise: Karachi Kings. It's a fantastic team," said Gayle who played for Lahore Qalandars in the first season of the tournament. 
"I didn't get a chance to play all the games last season. This year I will be hopefully fit and ready for the matches. I will try my best to entertain the people."
Despite having big names like Kumar Sangakkara, Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik, Ravi Bopara and Kieron Pollard in Karachi Kings team, Gayle refused to get carried away. 
"In T20 it's never easy to predict the winner. I mean just because one team looks strong on paper doesn't mean that that team will win the title," Gayle said.
"But yes we do have a strong team. We have players like Sangakkara and Shoaib Malik. They are fantastic players and they have lot of experience. 
"For me, the most important thing in any team is unity and the teams in which every player get along well are the ones that do well. 
"So it's going to be important for each and every individual to help the team. If we can do that then yes we can win the title."
 


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