Chris Gayle will be up for it: Jason Holder

West Indies believe Chris Gayle will have a major impact on Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final 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 quarter-final,” said captain Jason Holder.

“I’m sure he’ll be up for it even if he’s not a hundred per cent. It’s an important game and he’s a big player, you know what big players can do on big days. I’m sure he’ll be up for it even if he’s not 100 per cent.”

Gayle, 35 has had a roller-coaster tournament with his World Cup record 215 against Zimbabwe in Canberra on February 24 being the only time he has got past 50.

Johnson’s half century against the UAE will put the pressure on Gayle’s opening partner Dwayne Smith to keep his place after a miserable tournament.