Windies beat Proteas by chasing down world record 231 in T20 tie

Chasing the highest target in Twenty20 internationals is not something that happens every other day, but it was exactly what happened when West Indies were set a blistering 232 for victory by South Africa.

South Africa T20 captain Faf du Plessis' monstrous 119 from 56 balls that helped his side put up an impressive 232 against West Indies to win went all in vain as the tourists passed that mark easily with four balls remaining, thanks to Chris Gayle's bludgeoning 90 runs off 41 deliveries.

It was a run fest at the Wanderers on Sunday as West Indies put up the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket, beating India's 211 against Sri Lanka in 2009, with 467 runs scored in under 40 overs, Sport24 reported.

Du Plessis' knock of 119 runs from 56 balls which included 11 fours and five sixes was the highest score by a South African in the shortest format of international cricket, and helped take his side to 231 for seven in their 20 overs.

The skipper missed the record for the fastest ton in T20 cricket by a single ball as the South African took 46 to reach his hundred, one more than compatriot Richard Levi against New Zealand in 2012.

The West Indians were well on course for the win as Gayle thrashed the helpless home bowling along with Marlon Samuels, 60 from 39 balls, as the pair took the score to 171 for one before the former was out in the 14th over.

Gayle's dismissal set up a run of four wickets falling quickly, that left the tourists in trouble. But Darren Sammy clubbed 20 from seven balls to carry West Indies to victory as they finished on 236 for six from 19.2 overs.

West Indies have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final contest to be played in Durban on Wednesday, the report added.