In a spectacular display of power hitting, the West Indies cricket team maintained their perfect record in the ICC Cricket World Cup with a decisive 107-run triumph against Zimbabwe during their inaugural Super 8 encounter at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 23.
The match began with Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza winning the toss and choosing to field first. Despite early setbacks that saw both openers dismissed, the West Indies established a solid foundation at 55/2 by the conclusion of the powerplay phase. The turning point emerged when Zimbabwe missed a crucial opportunity to dismiss Shimron Hetmyer at just 9 runs—a decision they would profoundly regret.
Hetmyer capitalized on the reprieve with extraordinary ferocity, hammering a record-equaling 19-ball half-century—the fastest by any West Indian batsman in T20 World Cup history. After receiving another dropped chance at 70 runs, the Guyanese powerhouse ultimately departed after a devastating 34-ball 85, featuring 7 boundaries and an equal number of sixes.
The left-hander found capable support from former captain Rovman Powell, who contributed a robust 59 from 35 deliveries. Their formidable 122-run partnership created the momentum for late fireworks from Sherfane Rutherford (31 off 13) and Romario Shepherd (21 off 10), propelling the Caribbean side to an imposing 254/6 from their allotted 20 overs.
Facing a mammoth chase, Zimbabwe’s innings never gained traction, stumbling to 47/3 in the powerplay and collapsing under relentless bowling pressure. Spin twins Akeal Hosein (3/28) and Gudakesh Motie (4/28—career-best T20I figures) dismantled the batting lineup, with Matthew Forde contributing two additional wickets.
The African squad’s sole consolation emerged through a record 44-run final-wicket partnership—the highest tenth-wicket stand in T20 World Cup history—though it merely delayed the inevitable outcome.
The victory sets up a critical showdown against tournament co-leaders South Africa on Thursday, where the West Indies will attempt to secure their semifinal qualification while preserving their unblemished campaign.