Half-fit Gayle can still do wonders

West Indies believe Chris Gayle will have a major impact on Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand even if he's only half fit.

Gayle missed Sunday's six-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in Napier, which secured the West Indies' place in the last eight, after failing to shrug off his latest back problem.

In his absence, Johnson Charles, originally summoned to replace Darren Bravo, seized his opportunity to impress with a fine innings of 55.

"Chris had the same back problem over the last year, and sometimes he has good days and sometimes he has bad days. Obviously, he's a key player for us, and his fitness is key going into the quarterfinal," said captain Jason Holder.