Gayle heroics in vain

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Opener Gayle was at his scintillating best at the Wanderers, racing to 117 off just 57 deliveries - the first international Twenty20 ton - as his side rattled up an impressive 205 for six.

But the West Indies let themselves down in the field as a number of costly dropped catches helped South Africa reach 208 for two for victory.

Herschelle Gibbs was the main beneficiary, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Dwayne Bravo both dropping the opener on his way to an unbeaten 90. Gibbs rounded off the match by hitting the winning four in the 17th over.

Justin Kemp was dropped by Marlon Samuels on 13 before he went on to hit 46 not out from just 22 deliveries.

Gayle's stunning innings, which included 10 sixes - another Twenty20 record - and seven fours, ended when slogged Johan van der Wath high into the air and wicketkeeper Mark Boucher claimed with ease.

Devon Smith contributed a useful 35 as the opening pair chalked up another record with a partnership of 145 before Smith fell to Boucher off the bowling of Vernon Philander.

South Africa's victory came at a cost, however, with captain Graeme Smith suffering an injury after being hit on the hand by a delivery from paceman Daren Powell.

Smith carried on to make a battling 28 before falling to the bowling of Gayle, but the injury will make him a doubt for South Africa's second Group A outing against Bangladesh on Saturday.

However, a later scan revealed that Smith had not suffered a break. Gibbs also picked up a leg injury during his heroic innings and required a runner.