Whirlwind Gayle flattens Zimbabwe
Opener hits first double-century in a World Cup as West Indies beat Zimbabwe.
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.
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)