Whirlwind Gayle flattens Zimbabwe
Opener hits first double-century in a World Cup as West Indies beat Zimbabwe.
Published On 24 Feb 2015
Chris Gayle rediscovered his mojo in spectacular fashion with the first World Cup double century to drive West Indies to a 73-run victory over Zimbabwe in their Pool B clash.
The opener’s 215 was the highest individual innings in a World Cup match, the third highest in any ODI, and formed the large part of a 372-run partnership with Marlon Samuels (133 not out), also an one-day record.
The dreadlocked 35-year-old slugged 16 sixes – tying the one-day record – as well as 10 fours in his 147-ball knock and even though he was dismissed with the last ball of the innings, West Indies were set fair at 372 for two.
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Zimbabwe had their run-chase trimmed to 363 from 48 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method after rain briefly interrupted the contest and they initially made a good fist of it.
Brendan Taylor was unfortunate to be dismissed for 37 after a controversial third umpire referral and middle order batsmen Sean Williams (76) and Craig Ervine (52) also put in good shifts.
When Gayle (2-35) returned with the ball to dismiss Ervine and Stuart Matsikenyeri (19) with his off-spin, however, the writing was on the wall for Zimbabwe and they were all out for 289 in the 45th over.
Scorecard:
West Indies 372-2 in 50 overs (Gayle 215, Masakadza 1-39)
Zimbabwe 289 all out in 44.3 overs (Williams 76, Taylor 3-38)
Source: Reuters