Batting superstar Chris Gayle smashed a half-century to help Vancouver knights beat the West Indies b’ by 35 runs in the global T/20 Canada Cricket League  yesterday at the Maple Leaf North-West ground.

Sent to bat knights piled up 175 for four off their allotted 20 overs, with the left-handed Gayle stroking a quick fire 63 off 55 balls, coloured by 5 fours and 4 sixes.

Gayle also shared in a 5o runs opening wicket stand with Evin Lewis who scored 22 runs. West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell supported with an unbeaten 32.

This against Derval green who snared 3 for 33.

West Indies b’s run chase never took flight and they were bowled out for 140 in the final over, to suffer the first loss of their campaign.

Windies b’ were in early trouble when they slumped to 59 for six in the eighth over but Kavem Hodge, who top-scored with 43, put on a valuable 71 for the seventh wicket with Fabian Allen who scored 29 to revive the innings.

Both later perished in successive overs as the innings folded quickly with the last five wickets tumbling for 10 runs.

Jamaican and West Indies bowler Sheldon Cottrell did the damage for the maple leaf, bagging an impressive 4 for 19, while Russell snatched 2 for 20.