Davison delights with record-breaking century

Canada 202 West Indies 206-3 West Indies win by 7 wickets

When the Canada opener, John Davison, was cracking the fastest century in the history of the World Cup, it looked like the West Indies were in line for an embarrassing defeat here yesterday. But as soon as he fell – to a remarkable one-handed catch by Vasbert Drakes at long-off – the chances of an upset receded.

Dismissed for 36 by Sri Lanka in their last game, Canada crumbled once more, losing their last nine wickets for 46 with Drakes taking 5 for 44. In reply, the West Indies romped home with more than 29 overs to spare.

Davison, who plays first-class cricket for South Australia, delighted the 10,000 strong crowd as he reached his half-century in 30 balls and then raced to three figures – with a six – from just 67, comfortably beating Kapil Dev's record of 72 in 1983.

He propelled his team to 155 for 2 in the 22nd over but their batting fell apart when he out for 111 which included eight fours and six sixes. "It sent a shiver down my spine," he said. "I was thinking the air is pretty thin there if the ball is travelling so far."

Wavell Hinds (64) and Brian Lara (73) shared a rapid second-wicket partnership of 102 to put the West Indies in command. Hinds reached his half-century from 24 balls, the fastest in the tournament, until that is, Lara reached his from one ball fewer.