Fully fit Chris Gayle set to return against South Africa

West Indies received good news before their important clash against South Africa as Chris Gayle is set to return fully fit at the top of the batting order. West Indies are currently aiming to continue their winning run in the World T20 and secure a semifinal berth when they take on the Proteas on Friday at Nagpur.

The big-hitting left-hander was dropped down the order to number six in their previous match against Sri Lanka after he pulled a hamstring while fielding. Unfortunately, he did not get to come out to bat eventually. The West Indies didn’t require him as opener Andre Fletcher struck an unbeaten 84 helped the Windies side to register a seven-wicket victory at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

The former champions currently table toppers in the Group 1 with four points and win over South Africa in Nagpur would see them become the second team to qualify for the last four. The first team have sealed a berth in the semis is New Zealand.

Gayle and Fletcher are expected to open the batting for West Indies with Johnson Charles moving down the order.

“I’ve opened the batting with him on many occasions so I know what sort of a player he is, he is very dangerous and he’s capable of getting big scores as well,” Gayle said of Fletcher.

With just a win from two outings, South Africa desperately need a victory to bolster their prospects of reaching the semifinals.

After the stunning loss to England, who chased down a record 230-run target, South Africa beat minnows Afghanistan to be placed precariously in third spot, two points behind England.

If South Africa fail to beat the Windies then England would be in pole position to qualify from the group going into the last round-robin game.

The Proteas’ preparations were dealt a blow after all-rounder JP Duminy was ruled out of the match with a hamstring injury he picked up in the 37-run win over Afghanistan on Sunday.

The right-arm spinner, who bats left-handed, has scored 83 runs in two matches without being dismissed, and also took 1-31 in the loss to England.

“JP is a big player for us. Not having him is a big blow and does upset the balance of the side,” South Africa coach Russell Domingo said.

In Duminy’s absence, South Africa will include Aaron Phangiso to complement the legspin of Imran Tahir with the wicket in Nagpur likely to suit spinners.