CPL 2014: Blistering Chris Gayle hundred fires Jamaica Tallawahs to victory

Chris Gayle of Jamaica Tallawahs hits a boundary against the St. Lucia Zouks

St. George's (Grenada), July 13 (IANS/CMC) Superstar Chris Gayle smashed a sensational, unbeaten hundred to propel reigning champions Jamaica Tallawahs to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over St Lucia Zouks at the National Stadium here on Saturday.

The powerful left-hander slammed 111 off just 63 deliveries - his first CPL hundred - as Tallawahs easily chased down their target off 162 off 19 overs, to send a strong signal to their competition at the start of the 2014 edition of the regional Twenty20 tournament, reports CMC.

Gayle, who has struggled with injury in recent months, showed no signs of discomfort as he blasted five fours and ten massive sixes, ripping into the hapless Zouks bowlers who had no answer to the onslaught.

He posted 32 for the opening wicket with fellow Jamaican Chadwick Walton, who scored 23 from 12 balls, before dominating a 64-run second wicket stand with Jermaine Blackwood who got just eight.

Gayle, playing at his destructive best, then posted another 55 runs for the third wicket with Australia's Adam Voges who managed just 15.

His performance completely overshadowed a decent batting effort by the Zouks who rattled up 161 for five off their 20 overs, after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

South Africa's Henry Davids top scored with 56 from 38 balls, striking five fours and two sixes while captain Darren Sammy finished on 29 not out from 22 balls with three boundaries.

Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher both got 27.

Seamer Andre Russell took two for 27 from his three overs.

Tallawahs began their run chase on a high, with Walton blasting two fours and a six off the first over from medium pacer Mervin Matthew which cost 15 runs.

Brief scores:

St. Lucia Zouks 161 for five off 20 overs (Henry Davids 53, Andre Fletcher 33, Johnson Charles 24; Andre Russell 2/23)

Jamaica Tallawahs 162 for three off 19 overs (Chris Gayle 111 not out, Chadwick Walton 23; Shane Shillingford 1/18)