PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, Jan 30 (AFP) - Herschelle Gibbs made a maiden international century as South Africa gained a convincing 99-run victory in the fourth limited overs international against the West Indies at St George's Park here on Saturday.

The 24-year-old coloured opening batsman, whose previous highest score in his 19 prior limited-overs matches was 35, hit 125 off 146 balls to score the first century by a South African in 15 limited overs internationals against the West Indies.

South Africa made 278 for six after being sent in. The West Indies made yet another poor start, losing their first two wickets for just 13, and were bowled out for 179 despite a thrilling 57 off 40 balls by stand-in captain Carl Hooper, his 25th one-day half-century.

Gibbs and skipper Hansie Cronje put on a record 162 for the third wicket having come together with South Africa struggling on 21 for two from 9.2 overs after being sent in by Hooper.

Regular captain Brian Lara withdrew after suffering a chipped bone in his right forearm while facing Jacques Kallis during the third international in Durban on Wednesday.

On a pitch which had early life, the West Indian tactic of holding back veteran fast bowler Curtly Ambrose seemed to be paying off when Nixon McLean and Reon King troubled the batsmen with pace and bounce.

Gibbs, whose century came off 122 balls with eight fours, and Cronje turned the innings around, however, with Cronje in superb form as he made 74 off 74 balls with two sixes and five fours.

The stand of 162 was made off 161 balls. It bettered the previous South African third wicket record of 149 by Cronje and Daryll Cullinan against Australia at Centurion in 1996/97.

The West Indies were in trouble from the 10th ball of their innings when Junior Murray was caught behind off Steve Elworthy. Philo Wallace's miserable tour continued when he followed four overs later as he hooked Elworthy to deep square leg.

West Indies hopes were raised when Hooper and veteran Keith Arthurton put on 56 for the fourth wicket before Arthurton was run out for 48 by a direct hit from Cronje at mid-on while taking a risky single.

Hooper slammed three sixes and five fours but his team's challenge effectively ended when Hooper was caught at deep square leg off Cronje.

Their hopes finally collapsed when they lost three wickets with the score on 164 off three successive balls, spinner Nicky Boje taking two and Cronje taking out Ridley Jacobs with his first ball of the next over.

South Africa lead the seven-match series 3-1.