GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor

Chris Gayle - File

TORONTO, Canada

West Indies captain Chris Gayle has expressed disappointment that his team will not be able to compete against some of the world's best cricketing nations next month, following the postponement of the ICC Champions Trophy limited overs tournament in Pakistan.

Gayle, who led the West Indies to a sweep of the tri-nation one-day international series, beating Canada in the final yesterday, said while his team had nothing to do with the decision to call off the tournament, the players had been looking forward to competing, especially after a successful tour here.

The West Indies were scheduled to face Australia, Pakistan and India in the group stage of the Champions Trophy.

"It has been called off and there is nothing we can do at this time," Gayle said shortly after finishing unbeaten on 110 and being named Man of the Match. "We're real disappointed, but something came up and we just have to deal with it."

Security concerns in Pakistan forced the postponement until next year. The visitors, who learned about the decision before yesterday's game, handled the disappointment well.

Brilliant knock

The West Indies bowled out Canada for 179 in 46.5 overs. Led by Gayle's brilliant knock, his 16th ODI hundred, which came off just 77 balls with 14 fours and six sixes, they rolled to 181 for three in 27.3 overs.

Yesterday's win followed preliminary round wins over Bermuda on August 20 and Canada on Friday. Canada had also beaten Bermuda early last week.

While Canada did not bat as well yesterday as they did in the first game, the West Indies could be credited with bowling a bit better overall. The fielding was also much improved, with the visitors executing three run-outs.

Man of the Series Rizwan Cheema led Canada with another impressive innings against the West Indies, smashing 61, including eight fours and three sixes. Nikita Miller was the visitors' best bowler, taking two for 18 off 10 overs, including four maidens. Brendan Nash also bowled well, claiming one for 33 off 10 overs. Jerome Taylor had three for 33 off 6.5 overs. Darren Powell, who was roughed up early by Cheema, ended up claiming his wicket.

In reply, Gayle and Sewnarine Chattergoon started briskly, posting a first wicket stand of 88 runs. Chattergoon was dismissed for 23 off 41 balls in the 13th over, but Gayle was joined by fellow Jamaican Carlton Baugh Jr and the two took the visitors to 165, before the wicketkeeper/batsman was bowled, aiming a big shot, for 29. The West Indies also lost Leon Johnson, bowled for one, before Gayle and Xavier Marshall took the West Indies to victory.

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.