West Indies in 107-run win over Zimbabwe

Tuesday, 24 February 2026 03:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Zimbabwe’s dream run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 turned nightmarish yesterday, as West Indies took apart their bowlers at a batting-friendly wicket at the Wankhede Stadium.

Riding on incredible half-centuries by Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell, the Caribbean team posted a total of 254/6, the highest team tally at this World Cup and the second highest in T20 World Cup history.

Chasing a mammoth total, Zimbabwe crumbled to 147 to hand West Indies a 107-run win. It was their biggest victory, in terms of runs, at this World Cup. Shai Hope’s team has now won five out of five matches and are growing in stature and confidence with every match.

Electing to field first, Zimbabwe restricted West Indies to 55/2 in the powerplay, but they couldn’t keep a lid on the power-packed batting line-up for too long. Hetmyer, who was given two lives, including one when he was only on nine, made Zimbabwe pay dearly. He brought up his 50 with a six off Captain Sikandar Raza. The 19-ball half-century was the fastest by a West Indian batter in T20 World Cups and the joint fastest of this edition.

A fiery knock of 85 off 34 balls studded with seven fours and seven sixes finally ended with Brian Bennett holding on to the catch on the boundary off Graeme Cremer.

After a steady start, Rovman Powell (59) also shifted into high gear, scoring his 50 in 29 balls. The power-packed West Indies breezed past milestones – Powell-Hetmyer brought up the joint fastest 100-run partnership in this World Cup and the team crossed the 150-mark inside 13 overs.

The West Indies blitz continued even after Hetmyer and Powell were sent back. They hit a total of 19 sixes and 16 fours to bring up the first 250 of this World Cup.

If Zimbabwe were going to complete the record chase, they needed a perfect start. But the scoreboard pressure was evident as they slipped to 20/3 inside the first three overs.