The hit-out provided the West Indies with some much needed momentum ahead of Friday's showdown against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"South Africa are coming off a loss, so they're going to be looking to beat us," Gayle said. "But we've got a score to settle. They beat us 4-1 and they beat us badly at their home towns (in January). But we're at neutral grounds now."
Gayle's last innings against South Africa one month ago was a golden duck, a stark contrast to Tuesday's record breaking hit out at Manuka Oval. But ironically he almost fell for another golden duck against Zimbabwe, with only a tight DRS umpire's call saving him from extending his string of failures.
"When I looked at the replay I thought: 'Oh you're kidding me'," he said. "Those were not the exact words. There was a swear word.
"But when I saw the umpire's call there was a big sigh of relief, and I decided from then to take the bull by the horns."
Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura lamented the tight call.
"Luck wasn't on our side," he said. "On another day it could have been given out. It played a big part, who knows if he had gone out?"
Gayle's drought-breaking innings comes just days after West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron controversially retweeted a fan's criticism that called for him to be given a "retirement package". And Gayle didn't shy away from the controversy after the whirlwind knock.
"With the Tweet and everything you do get disappointed when you see who it came from," Gayle said. "It was at a time, when ... you need support - you know, you're in a World Cup event. To get more support from your people would be fantastic. Having negatives around is not needed."
Chris Gayle's record thumping innings:
- Highest ever World Cup innings (215)
- Fastest ever ODI double century (138 balls)
- Highest ever ODI partnership - with Marlon Samuels (372)
-Highest team total on Australian soil (372)
-First player outside India to score 200 in an ODI
-Equal most sixes in an ODI innings (16)
-Third highest ODI innings ever
-His second 100 came off just 33 balls
Scoreboard
Manhattan/Worm
Wagonwheel
For more coverage of the Cricket World Cup from nzherald.co.nz and NZME check out #CricketFever.
