World Cup hosts the West Indies qualified for the Super Eight stage of the competition after a six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Group D on Monday.

Sean Williams struck an unbeaten 70 as Zimbabwe recovered from 59 for four to post a total of 202 for five but Brian Lara’s side had little real trouble, reaching the target with 13 balls to spare.

Opener Chris Gayle hit an explosive 40 — including three consecutive sixes in one over — and then the Trinidadian pair of skipper Lara (44) and Dwayne Bravo (37) saw West Indies through to victory although both were dropped along the way.

Lara completed the victory with a big six over mid-wicket.

The West Indies, who won their opening game against Pakistan, have four points with their final group opponents Ireland on three points.

Zimbabwe have a single point, following a tie with the Irish, and Pakistan have none after two defeats and are eliminated.

Earlier, Lara won the toss at Sabina Park and put Zimbabwe in to bat and he was rewarded with fine spells from his two opening bowlers.

Jerome Taylor bowled Friday Kasteni with the first ball of the second over, a delivery which cut back sharply off the seam and then the stumps tumbled at the other end with Vusi Sibanda inexplicably playing no shot to Daren Powell.

Zimbabwe, who tied their opening game against Ireland, were two for two and looking in real trouble.

Taylor struck again in the tenth over, Chamu Chibhabha beaten for pace as he was clean bowled to leave the African side still in difficulty at 31 for three.