Shimron Hetmyer delivered a spectacular performance, scoring a 19-ball half-century to lead the West Indies to a commanding 107-run victory over Zimbabwe in their opening Super Eights match at the Twenty20 World Cup. This win marks a continuation of the two-time champions’ strong campaign.
Hetmyer made history by achieving the fastest fifty by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history. The West Indies posted an impressive total of 254-6 in Mumbai, which ranks as the second-highest score in the tournament’s history, only behind Sri Lanka’s 260-6 against Kenya in 2007.
Despite a promising start, Zimbabwe struggled, ultimately being bowled out for 147. Gudakesh Motie was instrumental in this victory, taking four wickets and helping the West Indies secure the top position in Group One, thanks to a superior net run rate compared to South Africa, who defeated India earlier.
Choosing to bowl first, Zimbabwe initially found success, dismissing opener Brandon King in the third over. However, Hetmyer quickly established his dominance, narrowly escaping dismissal when a pull shot was dropped by Tashinga Musekiwa. The player-of-the-match went on to showcase his power hitting, launching five sixes in his final six deliveries and reaching his fifty in the eighth over with the team at a strong 92-2.
Hetmyer’s earlier reprieve was not the only time he was let off the hook; he was dropped again by Musekiwa in the twelfth over with his score at 70. Alongside Rovman Powell, who contributed 59 runs off 35 balls, Hetmyer formed a formidable partnership that accumulated 122 runs for the third wicket. Hetmyer’s innings concluded in the 15th over, ending with seven fours and seven sixes for a personal best of 85 runs off just 34 balls.
Sherfane Rutherford then added further pressure on Zimbabwe, remaining unbeaten with 31 runs from 13 balls, helping the West Indies to a total of 46 runs in the last three overs of their innings.
In response, Zimbabwe faced an uphill battle with the daunting target of 255. Their chances diminished early as Akeal Hosein secured two wickets in a single maiden over, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 20-3 after just three overs. Dion Myers attempted to stabilize the innings with a contribution of 28 runs off 15 balls before being bowled by Motie, who finished with impressive figures of 4-28.
Motie further dismantled Zimbabwe’s lineup by taking down captain Sikandar Raza and Musekiwa in consecutive balls, followed by the catch of Tony Munyonga, leaving the middle order in shambles. As defeat loomed, Brad Evans mounted a solo effort, scoring a rapid 43 runs, which slightly narrowed the margin of defeat.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe aims to rebound against defending champions India on Thursday, the same day the West Indies will face last edition’s finalists, South Africa.