ICC World Twenty20 - hero of the day: Chris Gayle

The ultimate result of this opening match in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament was immaterial to my choice for today (and note, this is NOT a World Cup despite what every man, woman and dog thinks. The inaugural World Twenty20 Cup won't happen until 2009 in England - reason to live number 1510).

Tonight Chris Gayle of the West Indies became the first player to hit a century in international Twenty20, on his way to an outrageous 117 off just 57 balls in the opening innings of this tournament.

Gayle's total included seven fours and 10 sixes and none were slogs or thrashes. His innings was described on Test Match Special as "a beautiful execution of fine cricket shots". Praise indeed. However his performance was not backed up by the rest of the team - the West Indies bowled a record number of wides in an international Twenty20 and generally fielded like amateurs with dropped catches galore, fumblings and over-throws.

Despite the win (by eight wickets and with 14 balls to spare), it was an unfortunate evening for South Africa as both Graeme Smith (broken hand) and Hershelle Gibbs (unspecified injury) are now doubts for the next match.

And just because I can, and it's cheap, tacky, but irresistible, here's a mention for South Africa's V D Philander - at least this time it's not just for his name (no really), but two fine catches of Devon Smith (for 35) and Sarwan (12).

[Image: Getty] [mimitig]