West Indies batsman Chris Gayle believes that he has given his fans plenty to "cheer about" after hitting the first ever World Cup double century in today's Pool B clash against Zimbabwe in Canberra.
The 35-year-old hit 215 runs, which included 16 sixes and 10 fours, off 147 balls to help his team close their innings on 372-2.
As well as making World Cup history, Gayle, whose partner at the crease Marlon Samuels scored 133, also became the second West Indian to pass 9,000 one-day runs.
"I have never felt this kind of pressure, but in the end, I am sure I gave them something to cheer about," espncricinfo.com quotes Gayle as saying. "It was a bit slow at the start, not to mention keeping it low. I just tried to take the bull by the horns and hang out there and try and build an innings.
"After a while I was able to pick a bowler to target and then, in the end, I was out off the last ball. A lot of time people don't know what you are going through as I had some issues with injuries.
"I am also not getting any younger so age is definitely catching up on me. Overall I am really happy, and I just want to try and build on this as much as possible."
Prior to today's performance, Gayle had scored just one 50 in his last 19 one-day innings.
The West Indies are currently second in Pool B, two points behind India.
Danielle Joynson
