Gayle backs West Indies to relive 2016 triumph in virtual semi‑final

Former West Indies batter Chris Gayle has thrown his support behind his side ahead of today’s virtual semi‑final against India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, drawing inspiration from one of the Caribbean’s most iconic victories in T20 World Cups.

“The last time we beat India in India, we actually went on to win the World Cup,” Gayle told the ICC, recalling the memorable 2016 World T20 semi‑final in Mumbai when West Indies defeated the hosts to reach the final.

In that match at Wankhede Stadium, India posted 192‑2 with a dominant unbeaten 89 by Virat Kohli, but West Indies chased it down with 196‑3 in 19.4 overs to win by seven wickets.

Match‑winner Lendl Simmons top‑scored with an unbeaten 82, while Johnson Charles contributed a fluent 52, steering the West Indies past a strong Indian line‑up in front of a packed home crowd.

Gayle says history could repeat itself in today’s Group 1 Super Eight contest in Kolkata, which is set up as a virtual quarterfinal.

Both India and West Indies stand with two points after two matches and are vying to earn two more points to seal the second semifinal slot from the group behind South Africa.

“This actually might be the perfect opportunity to beat the hosts at home and that would give us a lot of boost,” he said, stressing batting will be crucial. “Whoever bats the best, will win the game. So, it’s going to be a cracker of a game, but my money is on West Indies all the way.”