West Indies Innings – Hetmyer & Powell Explode as WI Post 254
Batting first, West Indies piled up 254/6 in 20 overs, setting the tone with a strong powerplay and then completely taking control through the middle and death overs.
After early wickets, Shimron Hetmyer unleashed a sensational counter-attack, smashing 85 off 34 balls with 7 fours and 7 sixes, striking at 250.00. He found the perfect partner in Rovman Powell, who blasted 59 off 35 with 4 fours and 4 sixes.
Late fireworks from Sherfane Rutherford (31 off 13)* ensured West Indies finished with a total that was always going to be out of Zimbabwe’s reach.
Zimbabwe Chase – Brief Resistance, Then Collapse Under Scoreboard Pressure
Chasing 255, Zimbabwe needed a dream start but quickly fell behind the required rate as West Indies’ spinners struck regularly. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs.
Brad Evans provided the biggest fight with a blistering 43 off 21 (5 sixes), while Dion Myers (28 off 15) and Sikandar Raza (27 off 20) contributed, but the chase never truly stabilized.
West Indies’ bowling was led by Gudakesh Motie (4/28) and Akeal Hosein (3/28), who combined to dismantle Zimbabwe’s middle order and finish the match clinically.
Key Performers
- Shimron Hetmyer (WI): 85 off 34
- Rovman Powell (WI): 59 off 35
- Gudakesh Motie (WI): 4/28
- Akeal Hosein (WI): 3/28
- Brad Evans (ZIM): 43 off 21
Match Summary
- West Indies: 254/6 (20 overs)
- Zimbabwe: 147 all out (17.4 overs)
- Result: West Indies won by 107 runs
With this emphatic win, West Indies boosted their net run rate significantly in Super 8 Group 1, while Zimbabwe will need a quick turnaround and a big performance in their remaining fixtures to stay alive in the semifinal race.