Gayle powers Windies against Australia PM' XI

Melbourne, Feb 4(ANI): West Indies skipper Chris Gayle's record-breaking 146 helped his side beat the Australian Prime Minister's XI by 87 runs in their one-day tour match at Manuka Oval.

The Prime Minister's XI fell predictably short of the 400 runs required to beat the West Indies this afternoon, despite a fighting unbeaten century from opener Tom Cooper.

Cooper batted gracefully to post a record 160 not out, but his effort was almost in vain as the PM's were all out for 313.

Cooper had mild support from Tim Paine (36), Alex Keath (25) and Jon Holland (28), while captain Matthew Hayden managed just 13 before being stumped off the bowling of Nikita Miller.

Earlier in the day, proving his devastating form ahead of the ODI series against Australia starting on Sunday, Gayle hammered 14 fours and eight sixes in the innings to help West Indies to 5-399 in a rain-affected innings reduced to 45 overs.

The skipper's 146 came off just 89 balls and set a new highest score in Prime Minister's XI matches, surpassing David Boon's knock of 134 against the Windies in 1984.

The 30-year-old was supported well by fellow opener Travis Dowlin (72) and Lendl Simmons (70 not out) while 17-year-old Victorian allrounder Alex Keith took 4-71 for the PM's side. (ANI)