West Indies captain Chris Gayle pulls during the one-day match against Pakistan in Fortune Cup at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Gayle made 113. - AP

IT WAS ultimately futile, but it sure was fun while it lasted.

The West Indies' Jamaican skipper, Chris Gayle, bludgeoned a superb century in the opening one-day international against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, however it wasn't enough to give the Caribbean side victory - barely.

Gayle, in his customary opening role, struck 11 fours and five sixes on his way to what appeared to be a match-winning knock of 113 off only 106 balls. It was the first ton at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates and guided the side to an imposing total of 294.

Partnerships

The tall left-hander featured in an opening stand of 125 with Guyana's Sewnarine Chattergoon (35 - 4x4) and then another partnership of 74 with old ally Ramaresh Sarwan (55 - 5x4) before holing out, with the score on 198 in the 35th over, to Shahid Afridi at midwicket off the bowling of Umar Gul.

Unfortunately, the West Indies were unable to ride the skipper's efforts with the bat to victory as Pakistan reached the target with a ball to spare for a thrilling four-wicket win.

Gayle also played his part with the ball, bowling six overs for 33 runs, including a tight penultimate over which conceded only six runs; leaving Pakistan 17 to win off Jerome Taylor's ill-fated final six balls.

- Tym Glaser