Mumbai (Web Desk): Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell smashed fiery half-centuries to propel West Indies to an imposing 254 runs against Zimbabwe in their Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Monday.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza’s choice to field first backfired badly as the two-time champions piled up a massive total of 254 for six in 20 overs.
West Indies stumbled early when opener Brandon King, a right-hander, was dismissed for nine in the third over with the score at 17. Hetmyer then teamed up with captain Shai Hope, putting on a brisk 37-run stand for the second wicket. The partnership ended on the penultimate ball of the batting powerplay when Hope was caught by Brad Evans for 14 off 12 deliveries.
Powell walked in at number four and, alongside Hetmyer, turned the innings around, forging a 122-run partnership for the third wicket off just 51 balls. Hetmyer eventually fell in the 15th over to Graeme Cremer, finishing with a blistering 85 from 34 balls, decorated with seven sixes and seven fours.
Powell’s knock ended nine balls later when he top-edged a short delivery from Blessing Muzarabani to Tashinga Musekiwa at deep backward square leg, scoring 59 off 35 balls with four sixes and as many fours.
West Indies’ momentum continued thanks to quick contributions from Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 21 and 31, respectively, keeping the scoring rate high and frustrating the Zimbabwean bowlers.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava and Muzarabani claimed two wickets apiece, while Cremer and Evans picked up one each.