Hetmyer stars in WI win over Zimbabwe by 107 runs

The West Indies delivered a commanding performance in their T20 World Cup Super Eights clash against Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, securing a resounding 107-run victory. The match was defined by Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive batting display, Rovman Powell’s aggressive support, and disciplined bowling that dismantled Zimbabwe’s chase.
On a flat batting track, the West Indies showcased their intent early, smashing boundaries with ease. Hetmyer was the star of the show, scoring a blistering 85 off just 34 balls. His innings included seven sixes and seven fours, and he reached his half-century in only 19 deliveries—breaking his own record for the fastest fifty by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history. Powell complemented him perfectly, hammering 59 off 35 balls with four fours and four sixes. Together, they stitched a 122-run partnership off 52 balls for the third wicket, which set the tone for the innings.
Despite early setbacks—Brandon King fell cheaply for 9—Hetmyer’s lifelines, courtesy of dropped catches by Zimbabwe’s Tashinga Musekiwa, proved costly. After being reprieved on 9 and 70, Hetmyer punished the bowlers mercilessly, particularly targeting Sikandar Raza with three consecutive sixes in one over. Powell, meanwhile, ensured the scoring momentum never dipped, running hard between the wickets and capitalizing on loose deliveries.
The middle and lower order added finishing touches: Sherfane Rutherford remained unbeaten on 31, Romario Shepherd chipped in with 21, and Jason Holder contributed 13. Their efforts propelled West Indies to a mammoth 254/6—the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, narrowly missing Sri Lanka’s record of 260/6 set in 2007.
Chasing such a daunting target, Zimbabwe faltered almost immediately. Akeal Hosein delivered a rare double-wicket maiden in the third over, dismissing Brian Bennett and Ryan Burl, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 20/3. Matthew Forde had already removed opener Tadiwanashe Marumani for 14, caught by Hetmyer. Gudakesh Motie then tightened the screws further, claiming four wickets for 28 runs, including two in consecutive deliveries during the 11th over.
Zimbabwe’s batting collapse was swift, with their top and middle order unable to withstand the pressure. Brad Evans provided some resistance, scoring a career-best 43 off 21 balls, including five sixes. His 44-run partnership with Richard Ngarava for the 10th wicket was Zimbabwe’s highest in the match and helped them reach 147 before being bowled out in 17.4 overs. Despite Evans’ late fireworks, the margin of defeat remained heavy.
Brief Score:
West Indies : 254-6 in 20 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 85; Richard Ngarava 2/47).
Zimbabwe: 147 all out in 17.4 overs (Brad Evans 43, Gudakesh Motie 4/28, Akeal Hosein 3/28).