West Indies thrashed Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their Super Eights opener at the T20 World Cup in Mumbai on Monday, delivering a dominant all-round display. Led by Shai Hope, the Caribbean side piled up 254-6, the tournament’s second-highest total.
Shimron Hetmyer spearheaded the assault with a blistering 85 off 34 balls, smashing seven sixes and seven fours. Earlier, Zimbabwe missed a crucial chance when Tashinga Musekiwa dropped Hetmyer on nine, a mistake that proved costly. He raced to a 19-ball fifty, matching Aiden Markram for the fastest half-century of the tournament.
Hetmyer and Rovman Powell then stitched a rapid century stand in 45 balls. Powell added 59, while late cameos from Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, and Jason Holder propelled the total beyond 250, including 38 runs in the final two overs.
Spinners dismantle Zimbabwe chase
After choosing to bowl, captain Sikandar Raza saw his attack hammered across the Wankhede Stadium. In reply, Zimbabwe’s chase unraveled quickly as Akeal Hosein struck twice early, reducing them to 20-3.
Left-armer Gudakesh Motie then spun a web, finishing with 4-28, while Hosein claimed three wickets. Only Brad Evans offered resistance with a defiant 43 off 21 balls before Zimbabwe folded for 147 in 17.4 overs.
So far, Sri Lanka made the highest T20 World Cup total, leaving behind the West Indies’ total score.
