It was Gayle's 14th one-day international

West Indies set England 273 to win and England got there with three wickets and nine balls to spare.

He praised batsmen Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo for both hitting centuries to set up the challenging total.

"It was a great effort by Chris (Gayle) and Bravo coming in at three for only the second time, credit must go to them," Lara said.

News conference: West Indies skipper Brian Lara

"I think we got enough runs, it was kind of difficult to score at the end.

"But then we had an ordinary bowling performance but now we have got this out of the way. We have got to move now onto the semi-finals and finals."

He said it was also pleasing Gayle was making an impact with his off-spin, taking 3-31.

"The fact spinners Gayle and Marlon Samuels are bowling well is great, nice to know they have got their game going. Chris's all round performance today was excellent."

Gayle was awarded the man of the match award for his efforts, but he thought the accolade should have gone to Kevin Pietersen, who smashed an unbeaten 90 in England's win.

He said: "The wicket was good to bat on. I capitalised on it and got a good start.

"I thought England batted well and thought Pietersen set the tone, he deserved the man of the match because he played well."