1306 GMT: West Indies keep the same side that destroyed Australia in the semis. The hosts make one change, bringing in Dananjaya for Herath.

WEST INDIES WIN TOSS AND WILL BAT FIRST.

WELCOME TO AFP'S LIVE REPORT of the World Twenty20 final between the hosts Sri Lanka and the West Indies. After Australia retained the women's title with a four-run win over England, it is now the turn of the men. The match is scheduled to start at the sell-out Premadasa Stadium in Colombo at 1330 GMT.

This is the hottest ticket in town, with the sell-out 35,000 crowd expected to offer boisterous support. Mahela Jayawardene's men will be attempting to reverse their fortunes after losing three finals in major tournaments since 2007.

Large crowds are expected at cricket clubs across Sri Lanka, where giant screens have been erected, while many families are gathering around televisions at home to watch their national heroes.

Standing in the way of home glory is the destructive West Indies batting led by opener Chris Gayle, who crushed Australia in Friday's semi-final with a scintillating 75 off 41 balls.