Chris Gayle's 5 best knocks in ODIs

133* (135) vs South Africa - 2nd Semifinal, 2006 ICC Champions Trophy

Gayle's innings wrote South Africa off the contest as Windies march into the Champions Trophy final

Chris Gayle showed his big-match credentials yet again for West Indies in the semi-final clash of the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy against South Africa at Jaipur.

Australia had secured their spot in the final with a victory over Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand, and West Indies were desperate to get a chance to defend the title they had won in 2004.

South Africa had the early advantage after winning the toss and deciding to bat first, but wickets at regular intervals kept their scoring at bay and the Proteas were restricted to 258 in their 50 overs.

Not the biggest of totals, but with the pressure of a big semi-final and in testing conditions, West Indies knew they would need a big-match performance from one of their leading stars.

Up stepped Chris Gayle, who took the game by the scruff of the neck, getting his side off to a flyer. He was aggressive from the onset, yet without being flashy.

He was in his groove completely and breezed his way to a fine century but also ensured to finish the job he had started by remaining unbeaten on 133 as West Indies marched to the final with six overs to spare.

Gayle was deservedly named the Man of the Match having chipped in with the ball as well, delivering his full quota of 10 overs at less than five-an-over.

Despite the disappointment of losing out to Australia in the final, the 2006 Champions Trophy was a Gayle masterclass as he won the Man of the Series award for his all-round figures of 474 runs and 8 wickets.