MUMBAI, India: In a stunning display of pure power-hitting at the Wankhede Stadium, the West Indies transformed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight clash against Zimbabwe into a six-hitting spectacle on Monday.
Asked to bat first by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, the two-time champions unleashed a brutal assault, racking up a mammoth total of 254 for 6 in their 20 overs.
The innings was headlined by a breathtaking knock from Shimron Hetmyer, who announced his return to form in emphatic style, smashing 85 off just 34 balls.
His innings, which featured seven towering sixes and seven boundaries, set the platform for a carnage that the Zimbabwean bowlers simply had no answer to.
Hetmyer and Powell Turn the Screw
After the early dismissal of Brandon King (9) and skipper Shai Hope (14), the West Indies were cautiously placed at 54 for 2.
However, the arrival of Hetmyer at the crease changed the complexion of the innings entirely.
He took a particular liking to the spin of Sikandar Raza and Graeme Cremer, dispatching them into the stands with contemptuous ease.
𝟴𝟱 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝟯𝟰 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 🔥
A power-packed knock from Shimron Hetmyer to light up the Wankhede ⚡
Watch his highlights from the #T20WorldCup Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe 🎥https://t.co/cjKbYZpIp4
— ICC (@ICC) February 23, 2026
Hetmyer found an able partner in captain Rovman Powell. The duo added a blistering 122 runs for the third wicket in next to no time.
Powell matched his partner stroke for stroke, hammering 59 from just 35 deliveries, laced with four fours and four sixes.
By the time Hetmyer fell for 85 in the 15th over, the damage had already been done, with the scoreboard reading a dominant 176.
Death Overs Carnage
The momentum showed no signs of slowing down even after the dismissals of the set batters.
Sherfane Rutherford played a breathtaking cameo, remaining unbeaten on 31 from a mere 13 balls, striking at nearly 240.
Romario Shepherd provided the late fireworks with a quickfire 21, while Jason Holder smashed 13 from just four balls.
The Zimbabwean bowling attack, which had been a highlight of the tournament so far, endured a forgettable day.
While Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava picked up two wickets each, they were expensive, conceding 42 and 47 runs respectively in their four overs.
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The introduction of spin proved to be particularly costly, with captain Raza leaking 52 runs in his three overs without a wicket.
Daunting Target
The final total of 254 is the highest score of the tournament so far and presents Zimbabwe with a near-insurmountable challenge.
For the Chevrons, who have lived off the brilliance of their bowlers in this World Cup, this is a severe reality check.
With the required run rate hovering above 12.5 an over, Zimbabwe will need a miracle, or a record-breaking partnership, to chase this down and keep their semi-final hopes alive.
