West Indies batsman Chris Gayle (left) celebrates his century as South Africa's Makhaya Ntini looks on during their Twenty20 World Championship match at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday. Gayle made a record score of 117 in a losing effort. - AP

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC):

RAMNARESH SARWAN admitted on Tuesday that Chris Gayle's exhilarating century had left him in awe, especially since the opener had little preparation for the game.

Gayle blasted 117 from 57 balls with seven fours and 10 sixes, a whirlwind knock that lifted the West Indies to a competitive 205 for six after they were sent in by South Africa in the opening Twenty20 World Cup match at the New Wanderers Stadium.

"It was unbelievable to be honest. To see someone strike the ball the way he was striking the ball, it was amazing," the West Indies captain said.

"Having said that, he hasn't been practising that much during the net sessions because he has been injured so I would like to see him get some practice in and we might see something else."

Gayle's powering hitting was sublime. He struck boundaries to all parts of the ground as he tore into the hapless South African bowling.

He effortlessly lifted sixes over mid-wicket and was just as devastating hitting straight, as the left-hander raced to the first ever Twenty20 international century. Sarwan said Gayle, who took a knock from fast bowler Shaun Pollock during his innings, would be fit and ready for the next game against Bangladesh today.

"Of course, we have depth, but Chris has just assured me that he is going to play the next game so I don't think I have anything much to worry about," said Sarwan.

Despite the fast-paced nature of the Twenty20 format, Sarwan said there was a strategic approach to the game.

"There is a plan just like a 50-over game and it was clear, it was shown today (Tuesday)," Sarwan pointed out.

"Herschelle (Gibbs) and Chris (Gayle) did not start off very fast. They paced their innings well and played to a plan and it shows that if you play to a plan you can play proper cricket and win games."