Proteas overwhelm West Indies

ST. JOHN'S (ANTIGUA), MAY 3. A century from opener Herschelle Gibbs helped South Africa to an overwhelming eight-wicket victory in the second one- day international against West Indies at the Recreation Ground here on Wednesday.

Gibbs hit 104 as South Africa levelled the best-of- seven one-day series 1-1. Chasing a modest West Indies total of 220 for eight on a good batting pitch, the tourist lost opener Gary Kirsten (5) with just 11 runs on the board.

But Gibbs and Jacques Kallis responded with a record South African second-wicket partnership of 179 from 37 overs to take their team to the brink of victory.

Gibbs made a cautious start before exploding into action against first-change bowler Nixon McLean. McLean's first two overs cost 25 runs and included a remarkable six after Gibbs charged down the wicket to the fast bowler.

Gibbs completed his fourth one-day century with another pair of sixes against part-time spinner Marlon Samuels. A replacement ball was needed after one of the sixes left the stadium over deep square leg.

Kallis reached his half-century from 90 balls. The powerful all- rounder clubbed another part-timer, Chris Gayle, straight over the Richie Richardson Stand and into the town centre, which meant a second replacement ball was needed.

Gibbs was eventually stumped by Ridley Jacobs off left-arm spinner Neil McGarrell after hitting eight fours and three sixes off 141 balls.

With 31 runs required for victory, Jonty Rhodes made light work of the target with an unbeaten 21, while Kallis's 78 not out from 112 deliveries included five fours and two sixes.

Earlier, a half-century from Shivnarine Chanderpaul proved insufficient to rescue West Indies from a slow start and an ever slower middle section of its innings after being put in to bat.

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