West Indies crushed Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the fourth match of the Super Eight round of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. After being invited to bat first, West Indies delivered a brutal display of power-hitting and posted a huge total of 254/7 in 20 overs. Shimron Hetmyer played a blazing knock of 85 runs off just 34 balls, while Rovman Powell also hit a rapid half-century. Blessing Muzarabani (2/42 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for Zimbabwe, and Richard Ngarava also picked up two wickets.
In reply, Akeal Hosein (3/28 in 4 overs) and Matthew Forde (2/27 in 3.4 overs) struck early to put Zimbabwe under pressure. Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza, and Brad Evans offered brief resistance, but their efforts were not enough against the aggressive and disciplined West Indies bowling attack. Brad Evans was the highest scorer for Zimbabwe. The team was bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs. Gudakesh Motie (4/28 in 4 overs) was the most successful bowler for West Indies.
With this victory, West Indies are now at the top of Group 1 in the Super Eight round.
West Indies post record-breaking total
Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell led the charge with explosive half-centuries. Their aggressive batting helped West Indies pile up 254 for 6 in 20 overs. It became the second-highest total ever recorded in a men’s T20 World Cup. The innings included 19 sixes, the most any team has struck in a single innings in the history of the tournament.
Zimbabwe had entered the Super Eight stage after finishing on top of Group B. However, they could not match the Caribbean side’s firepower. They were bowled out for just 147, suffering their first defeat of the competition.
Zimbabwe strike early but fail to control the innings
Zimbabwe made a promising start with the ball. Left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava returned from injury and removed Brandon King for 9 off 12 balls using a slower delivery. Soon after, Craig Evans dismissed Shai Hope for 14 off 12 balls during the powerplay, thanks to a sharp catch by Brian Bennett in the outfield.
Despite losing two early wickets, West Indies raced to 55 runs in the first six overs. Hetmyer was already in attacking mode and contributed 20 runs during that phase.
Hetmyer dominates spin attack
Batting at No. 3, a relatively new position for him in this tournament, Hetmyer produced a stunning counterattack. He had previously spent the last edition on the bench, but this time he grabbed his opportunity.
Coach Daren Sammy had identified him as someone capable of playing Nicholas Pooran’s role in the side. Hetmyer proved that decision correct. He attacked spin aggressively and smashed Graeme Cremer and Sikandar Raza for 56 runs off just 17 balls. All seven of his sixes came against spin bowling.
His strike rate of 329.41 ranks as the second-highest for any batter who has scored 50 or more runs against spin in a men’s T20I where ball-by-ball data exists.
Hetmyer reached his half-century in just 19 balls, breaking his own record for the fastest fifty by a West Indies player in a men’s T20 World Cup. Earlier in this tournament, he had scored a 22-ball fifty against Scotland in Kolkata.
Zimbabwe’s fielding mistakes made matters worse. Tashinga Musekiwa dropped Hetmyer when he was on 9 and again on 70. After the second drop, Hetmyer added 15 more runs before Bennett finally caught him in the deep.
Powell and middle order continue assault
When Hetmyer departed, the momentum did not slow down. Powell, who had been struggling at 15 off 17 balls at one stage, suddenly shifted gears. He whipped Evans over midwicket to begin his charge and followed it up with three more sixes.
One of his biggest hits measured 106 metres over extra cover off part-time seamer Dion Myers. Powell reached his fifty in 29 balls.
In the next over, he smashed a powerful shot straight back at Raza. The ball burst through Raza’s hands, forcing him to seek medical treatment. Raza even had to leave the field for some time, with Ngarava stepping in as stand-in captain during the final overs of the innings.
Powell eventually fell for 59, with Musekiwa finally holding onto a catch. However, quick-fire contributions from Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder pushed West Indies beyond the 250 mark.
Zimbabwe collapse under pressure
Chasing 255, Zimbabwe needed a strong beginning. Instead, they lost three wickets inside the first three overs. The early blows put them on the back foot.
Gudakesh Motie then triggered a collapse with his best T20I figures of 4 for 28. His accurate left-arm spin proved too difficult for Zimbabwe’s batters.
Raza, who had injured his finger earlier while fielding, came out to bat and scored 27 off 20 balls. However, he was bowled by Motie with a delivery that pitched on middle and turned sharply to hit off stump.
Akeal Hosein also produced a brilliant delivery to dismiss Bennett. His stock ball drifted in towards middle and leg before turning away to strike off stump. It was one of the finest deliveries of the match.
Zimbabwe slumped to 103 for 9 by the 15th over. Evans tried to delay the inevitable with a fighting 43 off 21 balls. However, Matthew Forde ended the resistance when Evans top-edged a catch to short third in the 18th over.