Gayle, Hetmeyer score centuries as Windies make winning start to WC qualifiers

Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetmeyer scored centuries to lead the West Indies to a 60 run win over minnows the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the Caribbean side began their ICC World Cup qualifying campaign on a positive note in Group 'A' action in Harare, Zimbabwe on Tuesday. 

Electing to bat, the West Indies posted a challenging 357-4 with Gayle slamming 123 off 91 balls which included 7 fours and 11 sixes. Gayle's century came off 79 balls.
   
Hetmeyer, who shared in a 103 run second wicket partnership with Gayle, hit a belligerent maiden ODI ton of 127 off 93 balls including 14 fours and 4 sixes. Evin Lewis also contributed 31 while Shai Hope retired hurt on 35.

Marlon Samuels fell for 15. In reply, the U.A.E. fell short at 297-6 as Windies skipper Jason Holder bagged his second 5 wicket haul, picking up 5-53.

The West Indies moved into second place in the group behind Ireland who defeated Papua New Guinea by 4 wickets in their second match in the group. The West Indies will square off with Ireland in their next match on Thursday.