West Indies' Chris Gayle hits first double century in Cricket World Cup history

West Indies master-blaster Chris Gayle has dodged a contentious first ball duck to smash the fastest ever ODI double century in the Cricket World Cup clash with Zimbabwe in Canberra.

Gayle's drought-breaking 215 runs off 147 balls spearheaded an imposing total of 2-372 off 50 overs at Manuka Oval.

It makes him the first non-Indian player to reach 200 in a one-day international, and the highest scorer in a World Cup match.

It's also the second highest ODI score ever, shy of Indian Rohit Sharma's 264.

Upon reaching the 200-run milestone off 138 balls, Gayle dropped to his knees, raised his bat and helmet above his head and acknowledged his teammates under the Sir Donald Bradman stand.

His first 100 came off a workmanlike 105 balls. He bludgeoned his second off just 33.

He was aided by first drop Marlon Samuels, who hit a comparatively patient 133 off 156 balls to bring up the highest partnership (372 runs) in ODI history.

Gayle smashed a record equalling 16 sixes and 10 fours, but things could have ended so much differently.

Two balls after fellow opener Dwayne Smith was clean bowled for a duck second ball, Gayle survived a loud shout for lbw.

However Zimbabwe paceman Tinashe Panyangara (1-82) insisted the decision be reviewed, and initial replays looked like Gayle had been trapped plumb.

But with Hawkeye showing the ball would have only clipped the top of middle stump, the Umpire's Call was honoured and Gayle was given a career-defining lifeline.

Live scores: WEST INDIES Vs ZIMBABWE (source: NDTV)

"That didn't look right to me. It hit him under the knee roll," a shocked Shane Warne said while commentating.

"I thought that was hitting three-quarters of the way up the stumps."

Gayle expressed his huge relief after the innings.

"I thought: 'Come on, you're not serious. I can't be out first ball, No. I need a chance. A break'," he said.

"There's been a lot of pressure. The runs haven't been coming. So many people wanted me to score runs. And I'm really glad I gave them something to cheer about."

Gayle's whirlwind knock comes just days after the president of the West Indies Cricket Board controversially retweeted a fan's criticism that called for him to be given a retirement package.

Up to that point, he had averaged just 14.42 with the bat since his last century 20 innings ago.

Gayle had more than his fair share of luck on the way to his double.

He was caught out in the deep while on 122 but was given a lifeline after a no-ball.

He was then caught out again the very next delivery, but had the luxury of it being a free hit from the previous no-ball.

His knock ended on the final ball of the innings when he top edged a delivery from Hamilton Masakadza (1-39).