Gayle storm crushes spirited Zimbabwe by 73 runs (D/L method) in WC Pool B tie

West Indies swashbuckling batsman Chris Gayle struck a blistering double century and captured two wickets to anchor his side to a 73-run victory over a spirited Zimbabwe at Canberra on Tuesday.

Opting to bat, West Indies lost opening batman Dwayne Smith for a duck in the second delivery of the match before Gayle and Marlon Samuels (133*) went on to build up a 372-run stand, highest partnership ever for any wicket in the ODI history, for the second wicket.

Gayle smacked a staggering 215, the first double-ton ever by a cricketer in the World Cup history, off just 147 balls, which included 16 sixes and 10 fours, before being caught out by Elton Chigumbura off a Hamilton Mazakadza delivery in the last ball of their innings.

Chasing an imposing target of 372, which later got reduced to 363, Zimbabwe suffered early blows in the form of Sikandar Raza (26), Regis Chakabva (2) and Mazakadza (5) as they were reeling at 46 for three in the eighth over.

Subsequently, Sean Williams (76) and Brendon Taylor (37) steadied the ship as the duo added a resilient 80-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Additionally, Craig Ervine tried to accelerate the innings as he struck a brisk 52 runs off just 41 but couldn't get the support from the other end, and later the team were bundled up for 289 runs. kipper Jason Holder and Jerome were the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies as they claimed three wickets each.

With the win, West Indies have moved to second spot in the Pool B.