March 22 (CRICKETNMORE) - Chris Gayle led the Windies’ celebrations after the two-time former world champions qualified for next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup, which will take place in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.
The Windies defeated Scotland by five runs by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method on Wednesday after Scotland were 125 for five in 34.2 overs, chasing 199 for victory, when rain prevented any further play in what was turning into a thrilling match.
Asked if he thought he had achieved his mission of coming to Zimbabwe to help the Windies qualify for the World Cup, Gayle said: “Mission accomplished, definitely. It has been a long journey and the process we have gone through to qualify, we still have to give thanks even though it was a rain interrupted game today, but a win is a win.
“I am so happy to have qualified for another World Cup., I just have to stay fit now and we have a young team, but it will be my last World Cup that is for sure, so I am looking forward to it.”
Gayle said he had thoroughly enjoyed the tournament and was delighted to see the passion amongst the Zimbabwe fans.
“It has been a great tournament, the support here in Zimbabwe is always fantastic. It has been quite a while since I have been here, the people have been fantastic. We have come and accomplished what we came for.”
Talking about his hunger for more success, Gayle said: “The fans drive you, people always say, 'Chris we want to see you back in Windies colours, want to see you play Test cricket in the whites again', and I say one more time I will do it for you guys.
“I will take on the journey and next year will play for them again and I look forward to it.
“I need a couple [of] months to get properly fit and especially I love playing in England and Wales. Lots of the Windies fans over the world are sad that we are in this position, where we have to play the qualifiers. But, cricket is like life, you have ups and downs, and nothing is guaranteed in life.”
ICC Media Release