 Gibbs fireworks overcome Gayle 'storm' in Twenty20 World Cup opener
12th Sep 2007 08:01 IST
Agencies
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Gayle beltered the experienced home bowlers for 10 sixes and seven fours at a whopping strike rate of 205.26.
Gayle became the first batsman in the history of Twenty20 internationals to make a century.
Gayle and his opening partner Devon Smith put up 145 runs for the first wicket to depress the home crowd who were gathered with great enthusiasm. Smith also gathered his runs at brisk pace as he scored 35 off 34 balls, which included three boundaries.
Gayle's effect was so overpowering that other West Indian batters did not have to do anything as the left-handed opener hit ten sixes and seven fours in his knock of 117 runs that came off just 57 balls – an effort that earned him the Man of the Match award.
South Africa had a sigh of relief when the centurion fell to Johan van der Wath, caught by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher.
South Africa's Twenty20 specialist bowlers Wath (2/33) and Vernon Philander (2/35) were most economical of the lot while the experienced Shaun Pollock went for 52 runs in his four overs, which got him one wicket. |
