West Indies delivered a dominant batting display to hammer Zimbabwe by 107 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, sending a strong message to rivals in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
West Indies piled up 254 for 6, the second-highest total in men’s T20 World Cup history, smashing a tournament-record 19 sixes in one innings. The onslaught was led by Shimron Hetmyer (85) and Rovman Powell (59), who powered the side with blistering fifties.
Zimbabwe, chasing a daunting target, were bowled out for 147, suffering their first defeat after topping Group B en route to the Super Eight.
Hetmyer set the tone with a 19-ball half-century—the fastest by a West Indies batter at a men’s T20 World Cup—thriving in a new No. 3 role. Identified by coach Daren Sammy as a player capable of filling Nicholas Pooran’s role, Hetmyer delivered emphatically, especially against spin.
Powell accelerated after a steady start, launching a series of towering sixes, including a 106-metre strike, to reach a 29-ball fifty. Late cameos from the middle order pushed West Indies beyond 250 with ease.
Zimbabwe’s reply faltered early. Gudakesh Motie led the collapse with career-best T20I figures of 4 for 28, while Akeal Hosein chipped in with 3 for 28. Despite a fighting 43 from Craig Evans, the outcome was never in doubt.
The win stands as West Indies’ second-biggest by runs in T20Is and reinforces their credentials as serious title contenders.
