Chris Gayle’s innings of 88 from just 50 balls saw West Indies record a stunning seven-wicket win over Australia in the teams’ first match of the World Twenty20.

After Australia managed to post 169-7 from their 20 overs, West Indies reached 172-3 with 25 deliveries remaining. Gayle and his opening partner Andre Fletcher (53 from 32 balls) added 133 in just 11.3 overs as effectively sealed victory early on.

Gayle cracked six fours and as many sixes in his whirlwind stay at the crease, while Fletcher was only slightly inferior in his strike rate, cracking seven fours and a six. Gayle hit fast bowler Brett Lee for 26 runs in one especially severe over.

The form of Lee, still trying to find his old rhythm after long-term injury, must now put his Ashes starting place on July 8 in doubt. Opener David Warner had top scored for Australia with 63 and helped them recover from being 15-3.

Australia need to beat Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge on Monday to sustain their hopes of winning the event, while West Indies must defeat Sri Lanka on Wednesday to ensure their safe passage top the next round.