Caribbean Storm at Wankhede Ends Zimbabwes Dream Run

Zimbabwe’s dream run in the T20 World Cup was halted by West Indies on Monday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. On a batting-friendly surface, the Caribbean batters dominated as the African side suffered a heavy defeat.

Brilliant half-centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell powered West Indies to 254/6. It was the highest team total of the ongoing World Cup and the second-highest in T20 World Cup history. In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147, handing West Indies a massive 107-run victory — their biggest win in terms of runs in this tournament. Under the leadership of Shai Hope, the Caribbean side has now won five matches in a row and looks increasingly confident.

Zimbabwe entered the Super Eight clash in impressive form, having defeated Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stage and remaining unbeaten in their first four matches. After winning the toss and opting to field, they restricted West Indies to 55/2 in the powerplay but failed to maintain control afterward.

Hetmyer was handed two early reprieves, including one when he was on just nine. He made Zimbabwe pay, bringing up his half-century in just 19 balls with a six off captain Sikandar Raza. It was the fastest fifty by a West Indies batter in T20 World Cups and the joint-fastest of this edition. His explosive 85 off 34 balls included seven fours and seven sixes before he was caught by Brian Bennett at the boundary off Graeme Cremer.

At the other end, Rovman Powell scored 59, reaching his half-century in 29 balls. The Hetmyer-Powell partnership produced the joint-fastest 100-run stand of the tournament, with West Indies crossing 150 inside 13 overs. They eventually became the first team in this World Cup to surpass 250, smashing 19 sixes and 16 fours.

Chasing a daunting 255, Zimbabwe came under immediate pressure, slipping to 20/3 inside the first three overs. Matthew Forde dismissed Tadiwanashe Marumani, and on the very next delivery, Akeal Hosein bowled Brian Bennett — his first dismissal of the tournament.

Dion Myers (28) and Sikandar Raza (27) attempted to steady the innings but failed to build substantial partnerships. Toward the end, Brad Evans fought back with a quickfire 43 off 21 balls, hitting five sixes and two fours. His 44-run stand with Richard Ngarava was Zimbabwe’s highest partnership of the innings and the highest tenth-wicket partnership in T20 World Cup history.

Zimbabwe particularly struggled against West Indies’ left-arm spinners. Gudakesh Motie claimed 4/28, while Akeal Hosein finished with 3/28, as their disciplined bowling dismantled Zimbabwe’s resistance.