West Indies opener Chris Gayle blasted an incredible 16 sixes on his way to making 215 against Zimbabwe at the Cricket World Cup on Tuesday.

Gayle had been battling for form, but that all changed at Manuka Oval, the left-hander smashed 16 sixes and 10 boundaries before he was caught on the last ball of the innings as West Indies reached 372-2.

The 35-year-old joined a group of players to have scored 200 in a one-day international with a cover drive for four.

Rohit Sharma (twice), Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar are the other players to have achieved the feat.

Gary Kirsten's unbeaten 188 against UAE for South Africa in 1996 was the previous highest World Cup score.

It was far from the perfect knock from Gayle, who survived an early review after being given not out LBW.

He was also caught off a no-ball and then caught off the next ball – a free hit – as he rode his luck.

Gayle smashed Zimbabwe all over Manuka Oval, but particularly enjoyed the onside as he returned to form in style.