KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Natalie Neita-Headley, minister with responsibility for sport, in a joint statement today congratulated Jamaican and West Indies batsmen Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels for their record-breaking performances in the team’s Pool B clash against Zimbabwe on Monday.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, we extend sincere congratulations to Jamaican and West Indian batsmen Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels for their outstanding performances in the West Indies Team’s match against Zimbabwe at the Manuka in Canberra, Australia during the 11th Cricket World Cup [tournament] currently underway in Australia and New Zealand,” the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

“Jamaica is proud that our own Chris Gayle has made cricketing history as the first batsman to score a double century in a World Cup innings – a remarkable and outstanding achievement. He has done all Caribbean people proud,” it read.

The release said Gayle’s record-breaking score of 215 is a personal achievement for him and a stellar moment for the West Indies team.

“We are also elated that another Jamaican, Marlon Samuels, also posted a career best 133 in the magnificent second-wicket stand that took the West Indies team to a great and deserved victory,” it continued.

The statement said these extraordinary performances by both Jamaicans have helped to reignite the faith of the Jamaican and Caribbean people in the exceptional talent that resides in sportsmen and women in Jamaica and the Caribbean region.

“Gayle and Samuels continue to be two of the many great Jamaican sport talents who can be counted on to consistently and faithfully play supporting roles in the fortunes of Caribbean cricket at all times and to raise their standards to the level of exceptional greatness especially when their team and supporters require them to lift their game. We salute them on behalf of a proud nation and delighted Caribbean region,” it read.