On this day: Chris Gayle scores World Cup’s first double century in 2015

Chris Gayle became the first person to score a double century in a World Cup match on this day in 2015.

Gayle struck 16 sixes in an extraordinary innings of 215 in West Indies’ victory over Zimbabwe in Canberra.

The destructive opener also thumped 10 fours on his way to the third highest one-day international score of all time.

Chris Gayle’s Wagon Wheel from his record innings of 215!

WATCH it all here! http://t.co/q01jOlhXlS#cwc15 #WIvZIM pic.twitter.com/s6OX6ilNtN

— ICC (@ICC) February 24, 2015

The 35-year-old needed just 33 balls in his second ton as he moved into an elite club, with Gary Kirsten recording the previous highest score at cricket’s premier 50-over competition when he made 188 not out for South Africa against the United Arab Emirates in February 1996.

“It was slow at the start, but you have to take the bull by its horns and try to put some pressure on them,” Gayle said, BBC Sport reported.

“Eventually the field spread and I targeted which balls to attack. When I got past one hundred, I knew I wanted it to be a double hundred, so I’m glad I got the chance to deliver it.”

Gayle survived a tight leg before call first ball, and admitted to feeling the nerves.

“With the innings, I struggled at the start and it was scary the first ball. I was like ‘come on you’re not serious, I can’t be out on this first ball’. I needed a chance and got a break and made the best use of it.”

Gayle’s landmark innings was the first individual one-day double hundred outside of India and the fifth overall.

He fell to the final ball of the innings as the Windies reached 372 for two.

The left-hander also played his part in setting the highest partnership in ODIs as he and Marlon Samuels (133 not out) scored all of their side’s runs,