West Indies Unleash T20 Carnage at Wankhede: Hetmyer (85 off 34) & Powell (59 off 35) Storm to Record 254/6 vs Zimbabwe!
Shimron Hetmyer in action 85 off 34 against Zimbabwe at Wankhede. | Photo Credit: Emmanual Yogini
West Indies unleashed a batting masterclass at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 23, 2026, during the Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe, posting a colossal 254/6—the second-highest total in Men’s T20 World Cup history. Shimron Hetmyer (85 off 34 balls, 7×4, 7×6) and Rovman Powell (59 off 35 balls, 4×4, 4×6) forged a blistering 122-run partnership off just 52 balls, turning pressure into a Caribbean carnival that left Zimbabwe reeling. This onslaught propelled West Indies to a commanding 107-run victory, bundling Zimbabwe out for 147 while boosting their net run rate and semi-final hopes.
The match, part of Super Eights Group 1, showcased West Indies’ undefeated Wankhede record—now five straight wins in T20 World Cups here. Captain Powell’s aggressive knock anchored the innings after early jolts, while Hetmyer’s fearless strokeplay (strike rate 250.00) dismantled Zimbabwe’s attack.
The Game-Changing Partnership
West Indies lost Shai Hope (early top-edge catch) and another quick wicket, reaching 54/2 in 5.5 overs. Enter Hetmyer and Powell: Hetmyer exploded with boundaries and sixes, racing to 69 off 25 by the 10th over. Their stand featured ramps, scoops, and lofted covers, punishing short balls into Wankhede’s stands. By the 17th over, West Indies hit 200—Rutherford adding 31* off 13.
Romario Shepherd chipped in with 21 off 10 (two sixes), but the duo’s synergy defined the innings. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Ngarava (2 wickets), leaked 14+ an over, unable to contain the onslaught.
Bowling Dominance Seals Massive Win
Defending 255, West Indies’ spinners starred. Gudakesh Motie claimed 4/xx, including a hat-trick chance after dismissing Sikandar Raza and Tashinga Musekiwa. Akeal Hosein grabbed 3, featuring a double-wicket maiden. Matthew Forde struck early (Marumani) and late (Evans), wrapping Zimbabwe in 17.4 overs.
Zimbabwe managed 47/3 in the powerplay (Dion Myers’ two sixes), but collapsed chasing 14.86 required rate. Raza’s struggle (0 off 7 initially) summed their woes.
| Batsman | Team | Runs | Balls | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetmyer | WI | 85 | 34 | 250 |
| Powell | WI | 59 | 35 | 168 |
| Rutherford | WI | 31* | 13 | 238 |
| Myers | ZIM | ~45 | – | – |
| Raza | ZIM | Low | – | – |
Historical Context: Record-Breaking Feat
WI’s 254/6 trails only Sri Lanka’s 260/6 (longstanding record). It’s WI’s highest T20 WC total, evoking their 2012/2016 dominance. Hetmyer’s knock ranks among fastest 50s; Powell’s captaincy mirrors 2016 triumph. For Zimbabwe, first T20 WC loss amplified Super 8 struggles.
Wankhede’s flat track, short boundaries favored batsmen—WI’s fifth straight here. This win elevated WI above South Africa in NRR, pressuring India for semi-final spot.
Player Performances and Turning Points
Hetmyer: Dropped twice by Musekiwa, punished errors with 14 boundaries. Player of the Match contender.
Powell: Stabilized, then accelerated—key captain’s knock.
Motie/Hosein: Spin strangled Zimbabwe’s middle order.
Turning point: Hetmyer-Powell stand post-Hope dismissal; Motie’s hat-trick ball.
WI’s fielding shone—Hetmyer diving catch, sharp stops. Zimbabwe’s fielding errors (drops) cost 100+ runs.
Tournament Implications
WI’s third Super 8 win (three from three?) secures Group 1 edge. Zimbabwe eliminated. India must beat WI to advance—high stakes ahead. WI eyes repeat of 2012/2016 titles.
Fan frenzy at Wankhede—calypso beats, maroon waves—recreated Caribbean vibe. Post-match, Powell: “Partnership won it; bowlers executed.”
West Indies’ Resurgence
From T20 struggles, WI rebuilt: Nicholas Pooran consistency, spin variety. Hetmyer (IPL form carryover), Powell leadership key. vs Zimbabwe exposed chinks—poor powerplay bowling.
Broader T20 WC 2026: Hosted India-US, Super 8 intensity peaks. WI’s batting depth (Rutherford, Shepherd) thrills.
Stats Highlights
Highest WC chases defended by WI: Unbeaten 190+ record holds.
Hetmyer: 7th T20I 50+ at WC.
Total: 2nd highest ever; WI’s WC high.
For in depth click here. Analysis from live scorecards, expert commentary.
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