By James Cone
Sept. 11 (Bloomberg)

Herschelle Gibbs hit an unbeaten 90 as South Africa beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the opening match of cricket's inaugural Twenty20 world cup.

Gibbs, who faced 55 balls, helped the host nation to 208-2 in Johannesburg after West Indies opener Chris Gayle lifted his team to 205-6 with the first century in an international match in the sport's newest form.

South Africa, which secured the win with 14 balls remaining, has now won three of its last four Twenty20 matches. The West Indies, which has lost its last two, allowed a record number of extras today.

Gibbs was supported by Justin Kemp, who made 46 not out from 23 balls, as the South Africans set their best Twenty20 total, beating their 201-4 against Australia in February 2006. Captain Graeme Smith hit 28 and A.B. de Villiers made 16.

Gayle made 117 from 57 balls, including 10 sixes, after South Africa won the toss and chose to field first. His score surpassed the previous best mark of 98 not out by Australia's Ricky Ponting against New Zealand in February 2005. He shared a 145-run opening partnership with Devon Smith, who scored 35.