West Indies thrash Zimbabwe by 107 runs after posting second-highest T20 World Cup total

The West Indies produced a stunning batting display to post a mammoth 254/6 in 20 overs before bowling Zimbabwe out for 147 in 17.4 overs to secure a dominant 107-run victory in their 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

After Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl, the Caribbean side unleashed a historic middle-order assault to set a daunting target of 255 runs.

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Shimron Hetmyer was the standout performer, smashing a breathtaking 85 off just 34 balls, laced with seven sixes and seven fours. The left-hander reached his half-century in just 19 deliveries, setting a new record for the fastest fifty by a West Indies batter in T20 World Cup history.

Rovman Powell provided excellent support with a commanding 59 off 35 balls, as the duo added a match-defining 122-run partnership that completely shifted the momentum in West Indies’ favor.

The innings ended with a flourish, with Sherfane Rutherford blasting 27 off 12 not out and Jason Holder hammering 13 off four balls, including two towering sixes in the final over. The late surge ensured West Indies registered the second-highest total in Men’s T20 World Cup history, underlining their batting depth and power-hitting prowess.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught on a true Wankhede surface. Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava picked up two wickets apiece, while Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans claimed one each, but the damage had already been done.

Ngarava provided an early breakthrough by dismissing Brandon King for nine, while Brian Bennett impressed in the field with sharp catches, including the one that ended Hetmyer’s explosive innings.

There was also a brief injury scare for Zimbabwe when Raza hurt his hand attempting a return catch off Powell, though he remained on the field after receiving medical attention.

Zimbabwe’s chase falters under pressure

Chasing a world-record target, Zimbabwe’s innings unravelled early under relentless pressure from the West Indian attack. The top order collapsed inside the powerplay, with Tadiwanashe Marumani (14), Brian Bennett (5) and Ryan Burl (0) departing within the first three overs as Zimbabwe slumped to 20/3.

Raza attempted to steady the chase with 27 off 20 balls, while Dion Myers (28 off 15) and Tony Munyonga (14 off 16) offered brief resistance, but the required run rate proved far too steep.

The highlight of Zimbabwe’s innings came from Brad Evans, who played a sensational late cameo. Batting at number nine, Evans smashed 43 off 20 balls, including five sixes, helping his side avoid an even heavier defeat and lifting the total past 140.

Spinners seal dominant win

West Indies’ spin duo of Gudakesh Motie (4/28) and Akeal Hosein (3/28) proved decisive, sharing seven wickets to dismantle the chase. Hosein bowled a rare double-wicket maiden in the powerplay, while Motie removed Raza and was briefly on a hat-trick. Matthew Forde chipped in with 2/27 to wrap up the tail.

The match was also a six-hitting spectacle, with a combined 31 sixes, the most ever in a single Men’s T20 World Cup match. West Indies struck 19 sixes, while Zimbabwe added 12 in a relentless aerial display at the Wankhede.

With this emphatic win, West Indies moved to the top of Super 8 Group 1 and significantly boosted their net run rate, strengthening their push for a semi-final berth.

Zimbabwe vs West Indies T20 World Cup: Playing XI

Zimbabwe:

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.

West Indies:

Brandon King, Shai Hope (c/wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.