The Pro 20 World Cup got off to blistering start at the buzzing Wanderers ground in Johannesburg. 'The Bull Ring', as the stadium is famously known, saw South Africa emerge the victorious matador.

When Graeme Smith won the toss and put the Windies in to bat, most observers were sceptical. The Wanderers is one of the best batting pitches in the world (remember the 438 game) - no doubt even better prepared by groundsman Chris Scott for the quickest, most exciting version of the game ever played in cricket’s long history.

One can almost picture a meeting at Lord's, with the tea-sipping hierarchy whinging on about this “mockery” of the noble game of gentlemen. Well, gentlemen, welcome to modern-day cricket. Parents can go to work, come home, pack a picnic basket, gather the kids into the car, dash off to a pulsating game of cricket and still be home in time for the 10pm news. Great stuff!

'If hitting a six was a crime, Gayle would have been put on Death Row'

Chris Gayle strode to the crease with an overwhelming sense of belief, ready to take the challenge to the South Africans. And did he ever, hitting shots with tremendous power. So much so that a shocked Proteas captain asked the umpire to inspect the ball after a mere two overs! Gayle had turned it into a bruised white egg, such was the ferocity with which he connected with the usually circular leather sphere.

If hitting a six was a crime, Gayle would have been put on Death Row. He top-scored for his team and indeed the entire match with his 117 off just 57 balls, amassing 10 sixes and seven fours, which should really have been a match-winning innings. He did, however, win the Man of the Match award, and etched his name in the history books, for his outstanding effort.

The West Indies amassed a huge total of 205 for six, and the Proteas batsmen had a major job on their hands. As the spectators stood wide eyed at the prospect of South Africa chasing down the humungous target, the West Indies decided to bowl, err . . . wide.