Ahmedabad, October 28:

Kevin Pietersen ruined Chris Gayle’s party with an explosive 90 not out as England stunned the West Indies by three wickets in the Champions Trophy today. Pietersen’s 10th half-century under pressure helped England surpass the West Indies’ challenging total of 272-4 with nine balls to spare.

England owed their consolation win ahead of next month’s Ashes series to Pietersen, who smashed one six and nine fours off 86 balls in a stunning display of aggressive batting. Pietersen upstaged man-of-the-match Gayle, who hammered 101 for his 14th century to help his team set a stiff target and then grabbed three wickets with his off-spin.

Gayle also added 174 for the second wicket with Dwayne Bravo, who remained unbeaten with 112 for his maiden century. Gayle hit 10 fours and one six and Bravo one six and 14 fours.

Pietersen posed the main threat to the West Indies’ total after opener Andrew Strauss had given England a blazing start with a 47-ball 50. England raced to 82 in less than 12 overs, thanks to Strauss and Ian Bell (50) before Pietersen finished the job in style under lights.