Canberra, Australia: Chris Gayle hit his first half-century of the World Cup for the West Indies after surviving a close leg before wicket review off his first ball against Zimbabwe in Canberra on Tuesday.

Gayle looked back to his menacing best with two powerful sixes in reaching his 50 off 51 balls.

But the big Jamaican opener looked fortunate to survive a contentious referral for lbw before he had had scored.

West Indies skipper Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bat first.

The West Indies are coming off a lopsided win over Pakistan in New Zealand on the weekend, rebounding from a surprising opening loss to second-tier Ireland.

Zimbabwe lost its opening match to South Africa but recovered to beat United Arab Emirates by four wickets.