The West Indies registered a commanding 107-run victory over Zimbabwe in Mumbai during their Super Eights campaign at the T20 World Cup. Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive 85 off 34 deliveries powered the West Indies to a formidable total of 254-6, the tournament’s second-highest score ever.
Zimbabwe, the surprise package of the tournament, struggled from the start in their chase of 255, stumbling to 20-3 in the third over after Akeal Hosein’s left-arm spin accounted for two quick wickets. Despite some late hitting from Brad Evans, who scored 43 off 21 balls with five sixes, Zimbabwe was eventually bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs. Gudakesh Motie’s 4-28 and Akeal Hosein’s 3-28 were standout performances for the West Indies.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Zimbabwe’s decision backfired as the West Indies batsmen dominated the Wankhede stadium. Hetmyer, who was dropped early in his innings, capitalized on the opportunity to score a rapid half-century off 19 balls, matching the tournament’s fastest fifty. Hetmyer and Rovman Powell combined for a 122-run partnership off 52 balls before Hetmyer fell for 176 runs in the 15th over.
Powell contributed 59 off 35 balls with four sixes before Sherfane Rutherford’s quickfire 31 not out off 13 deliveries helped the West Indies surpass the 200 and 250-run marks. Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder added valuable runs towards the end as the West Indies amassed 38 runs in the final two overs to finish at 254-6.