Lauderhill, Jun 1: Chris Gayle slammed an unbeaten 85 and Kieron Pollard lashed 63 not out off 29 balls on Saturday to set up a 56-run victory for the West Indies over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international in Florida.
Gayle smashed seven fours and five sixes off 52 balls to anchor a record-breaking West Indian total of 209-2 off 20 overs at Central Broward Regiona Park.
The equally powerful Pollard lofted five fours and five sixes as the pair shared a partnership of 108 off 47 balls.
New Zealand was briefly up with the demanding required rate but eventually was bowled out for 153 off 18.3 overs.
West Indies spinner Sunil Narine claimed 3-34 while there was a wicket apiece for captain Darren Sammy, Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Bravo.
