Chris Gayle drives against South Africa during their semi-final match in the ICC Champions Trophy in Jaipur, India, on Thursday. Gayle guided the West Indies to a fine victory with an undefeated 133.

CHISTOPHER HENRY Gayle tore the heart out of the South Africans in an impressive batting display under lights at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday.

It was a day that the South Africans will take a long time to forget as Gayle drove, pulled and even reverse swept with controlled savagery and power to grind South Africa's final hopes into the dust.

"Gayle's knock was unbelievable. It was a magnificent 100," was how South African captain Graeme Smith described the left-hander's knock.

"He really transferred the pressure on to us in the first 10-15 overs," he said.

West Indies captain Brian Lara was full of praise the Lucas player by saying, "He is excellent."

World-class bowlers Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, who ripped apart Pakistan's batting a week ago, and Andre Nel were helpless as they suffered at the hands of the man, who was born in east Kingston.

Gayle, who hit the winning run, which took West Indies to 262 for four, ended unbeaten on 133. He faced 135 balls which were laced with 17 fours and three sixes, but it was more joy for him when he hit the winning stroke, a thumping straight drive off left-arm slow bowler Robin Peterson, to complete the rout.

In the end, after sharing in a 154-run opening stand with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who retired hurt on 54, Gayle collected his third Man-of-the-Match award of the tournament and second in two matches.

The 27-year-old Jamaican earlier in the week scored 101 run out against England in an losing effort.

- A.F.