De Villiers's innings of 146 leaves the West Indies facing a fourth successive defeat and near certain elimination from the competition after another lame bowling performance from Brian Lara's side.

The 23-year-old De Villiers, who had been struggling for form going into the game, put on a 170 run partnership for the second wicket with Jaques Kallis after skipper Graeme Smith went early, caught behind off Corey Collymore.

On an ideal batting track and with a fast outfield, the pair rarely looked in trouble although Kallis was dropped by wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin when on 40.

Showing intelligent shot selection and smart running between the wicket, the pair built up a momentum which a mediocre West Indian bowling attack was unable to interrupt until the damage had been done.

Kallis eventually went for 81 and De Villiers went on to complete his century but, struggling with cramp, he was forced to take Smith as a runner.

On completing 100, De Villiers socred his next 46 runs in only 16 balls.

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