Gayle demonstrated his brute force alongside impeccable timing on his way to posting a score of 215 off just 147 balls, beating the previous record of 188 set by South Africa's Gary Kirsten in 1996.

The imperious 35-year-old from Jamaica, widely regarded as one of the best limited-overs batsmen in history, helped his side to their second consecutive victory after they thrashed Pakistan, although they started the tournament poorly with a shock defeat to Ireland.

Gayle was well backed up by Marlon Samuels who finished on 133 not out as the Windies reached a commanding 372-2 from their 50 overs - the highest score at the World Cup so far.

In a rain-affected contest, Zimbabwe's target was revised to 363 from 48 overs and they put up a valiant fight in pursuit of a difficult total before they were eventually bowled out for 289.

Sean Williams top-scored with 76 for a Zimbabwean side who would have come into the match full of confidence following their four-wicket win over United Arab Emirates, while Craig Ervine also made a notable contribution with 52.

The result keeps West Indies' on track to qualify for the quarter-finals from Pool B, a group that also includes India, South Africa, and Pakistan.

Zimbabwe however now face an uphill battle if they are to reach the next phase of the competition and they face a beleaguered Pakistan in their next contest on Sunday (March 1).

Gayle was in ruthless form as he hit 215 off just 147 balls as the West Indies posted a brutal 372-2 from their 50 overs ©Getty Images



The match itself was an excellent spectacle for the decent crowd inside the stadium, with Gayle deservingly getting the plaudits for his sparkling innings.

However, he was fortunate to survive a review off the first ball he faced as he was hit on the front leg in front of the stumps by a sharp Tinashe Panyangara delivery, with the television replay showing he perhaps should have been given out.

He recovered from that early setback though and reached his century, his 22nd in one day internationals, in 105 balls, before he stepped up the pace, reaching his second hundred off just 33 deliveries.

The World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, continues tomorrow as Ireland take on the United Arab Emirates in Brisbane.

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