Chris Gayle ended a torrid two days for Australia’s cricketers with a captain’s knock that led the West Indies to an emphatic seven-wicket victory in their first match of the World Twenty20 tournament on Saturday.

Gayle unleashed his potential as the danger man of the competition, plundering 88 runs off 50 balls to help his team reach 3-172 with 4.1 overs to spare.

Still reeling from the loss of disgraced all-rounder Andrew Symonds, Australia managed 7-169 on the back of a brave half century by opener David Warner after his team had collapsed to 3-15.

But it was not enough as Gayle and opening partner Andre Fletcher tore the Australian bowling attack apart with a 133-run partnership.

Australia must now beat Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge on Monday to keep their campaign alive.

Gayle smashed six sixes, including three off one over by Brett Lee which cost Australia 27 runs in total.

He also hit six fours during his innings, which finally ended when he attempted yet another thunderous six off Lee and sent the ball high to long on, where Shane Watson took the catch.

Gayle was well supported by Fletcher, who survived on 22 when Mike Hussey dropped a pressure catch while back-pedalling from mid-on and went on to reach 53 off 32 balls, including seven fours and one six, before becoming the first West Indies wicket to fall.

Mitchell Johnson ended with 2-32 for Australia, while Lee took 1-56.

The removal of Symonds from the tour on Thursday effectively assured Warner of a start and the left-hander stepped up, reaching 63 off 53 balls, with six fours and one six, after Australia won the toss.

Fellow opener Watson and captain Ricky Ponting were both dismissed for no score in a devastating first over by West Indies paceman Jerome Taylor.

Michael Clarke managed just two before he was caught by Sulieman Benn off the bowling of Fidel Edwards.

With heavy hitter Symonds back home, his international career in tatters, Australia were in a precarious position.

But Warner joined Brad Haddin (24) to steady the innings with a 66-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Brothers Mike and David Hussey (27) put on a sixth-wicket stand of 30 runs and the former was unbeaten on 28 at the close.

Taylor, Edwards and Dwayne Bravo claimed two wickets apiece.

© AAP 2012

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