West Indies vs Zimbabwe, T20 World Cup 2026: Hetmyer's Blitzkrieg Powers WI to Record-Breaking Victory
Shimron Hetmyer announced his arrival on the big stage with a breathtaking 85 off just 34 balls as the West Indies launched their Super 8 campaign with a resounding 107-run victory over a spirited Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The two-time champions posted a mammoth 254/6, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, before their spinners bundled out Zimbabwe for a paltry 147 .
West Indies 254/6 (Hetmyer 85, Powell 59; Muzarabani 2-42) beat Zimbabwe 147 (Evans 43, Motie 4-28) by 107 runs.
Pre-Match Build-Up: A Clash of Unbeaten Sides
Going into the game, the narrative was all about two unbeaten teams defying expectations. Zimbabwe entered the Super 8s as the tournament's surprise package after topping their group. Their incredible run included stunning victories over former champions Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka, fuelling hopes of a famous revival under the astute leadership of Sikandar Raza .
On the other hand, the West Indies, under captain Shai Hope and coach Darren Sammy, had steamrolled their opposition in the group stage, looking every bit the force they once were in the shortest format. The match at the Wankhede, with its short boundaries and true pitch, promised a high-octane contest . Both teams were confident, with Raza dismissing any concerns about his team's lack of experience playing in India, stating his side would focus on executing their plans rather than worrying about the conditions .
Head-to-Head Record (Before the Match)
Before this Super 8 clash, the two sides had met only four times in T20 Internationals, with the West Indies holding a clear edge .
Matches Played: 4
West Indies Won: 3
Zimbabwe Won: 1
Match Details: Super 8, Group 1
Fixture: West Indies vs Zimbabwe, 44th Match, Super 8 Group 1
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss: 6:30 PM IST)
Live Telecast (India): Star Sports Network
Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar
The Big Match: A Tale of Two Innings
First Innings: Hetmyer and Powell Turn on the Style
Winning the toss, Zimbabwe elected to field first, hoping to exploit early movement. The decision seemed justified when they removed openers Brandon King (9) and captain Shai Hope (14) early, leaving the West Indies at 54/2 . An opening had been pried open, but it was slammed shut almost immediately by Shimron Hetmyer.
Walking in at number three, Hetmyer launched a brutal assault on the Zimbabwean bowling attack. He was given a life on 9, dropped by Tashinga Musekiwa, and made the opposition pay dearly . He raced to his fifty—the fastest by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history—in no time, treating spinners and pacers with equal disdain . His 85-run knock came off just 34 balls and included seven massive sixes and seven fours .
At the other end, skipper Rovman Powell played the perfect supporting act, smashing a 35-ball 59. Together, the duo plundered a 122-run partnership that completely deflated Zimbabwe . The late assault was just as brutal, with Sherfane Rutherford (31 off 13) and Jason Holder (13 off 4) taking the team past the 250-run mark. The final total of 254/6 was not just imposing; it was the second-highest total ever in a T20 World Cup .
Second Innings: Motie and Hosein Spin a Web
Chasing a record 255 at the Wankhede was always going to be a herculean task, and Zimbabwe’s response got off to the worst possible start. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein struck twice in his first over, removing the dangerous Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl to leave Zimbabwe reeling at 20/3 .
The required run rate climbed rapidly, and the introduction of Gudakesh Motie extinguished any faint hopes of a comeback. Motie ran through the middle order with a sensational spell of left-arm orthodox spin, finishing with impressive figures of 4/28 . He dismissed the well-set Dion Myers (28) and then sent back captain Sikandar Raza (27) and Tashinga Musekiwa in quick succession .
West Indies players celebrate a wicket during their dominant 107-run victory over Zimbabwe .
The only resistance came from the bat of Brad Evans, who smashed a fearless 43 off just 21 balls, including five sixes, to give the scorecard some respectability . However, it was too little, too late. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 147 in the 18th over, handing the West Indies a mammoth 107-run victory.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Shimron Hetmyer (85 off 34): His explosive knock was the undeniable game-changer. His ability to clear the boundary with ease on the small Wankhede ground shifted all momentum to West Indies .
Gudakesh Motie (4/28): The spinner's clinical middle-over spell broke the back of Zimbabwe's chase, showcasing the depth in the West Indian bowling attack .
The Hetmyer-Powell Partnership (122 runs): This stand transformed a potentially competitive total into a match-winning one, demoralizing the Zimbabwean bowlers .
Brad Evans' Cameo (43 off 21): Despite the loss, Evans' late hitting was a silver lining for Zimbabwe, demonstrating their fighting spirit even in a heavy defeat .
Looking Ahead in the Tournament
With this emphatic win, the West Indies have sent a loud and clear message to every other team in the competition: they are genuine contenders for the title . The massive victory also significantly boosted their Net Run Rate, a crucial factor in the tight Super 8 stage.
For Zimbabwe, this loss is a reality check. While their performance in the group stage was nothing short of heroic, the step up in quality at the Super 8 level was evident. They will need to regroup quickly and address their bowling vulnerabilities if they hope to bounce back in their remaining matches. The West Indies, meanwhile, will look to carry this formidable form forward as they aim to add a third T20 World Cup trophy to their cabinet.
.jpg)
0 Comments