New Delhi: West Indies thrashed Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 23. The victory has left India under huge pressure in Group 1 after their 76-run loss against South Africa in their first Super 8 clash.
The massive defeat against the Proteas dented their net run rate, which is now at -3.80. Meanwhile, the West Indies moved to the top of the Group 1 table with a brilliant net run rate of +5.350. On the other hand, South Africa is in second position with a net run rate of +3.80.
South Africa and the West Indies might qualify for the semifinals on the basis of a higher Net Run Rate (NRR) if India fail to convincingly win their next two matches. The Men in Blue need to register dominating wins against Zimbabwe and the West Indies. They also need South Africa to beat the West Indies, which would give India a chance to advance if the teams end up tied on four points.
Hetmyer, Motion shine in West Indies’ big win
Hetmyer, Powell smashed fifties as the West Indies posted 254/6 in 20 overs. Chasing the target, Zimbabwe lost early wickets in the power play with the Windies spinners taking charge.
Zimbabwe were 20/3 in the third over, but Sikandar Raza forged two crucial partnerships with Dion Myers and Tony Munyonga in the middle overs. But their chase never really took off, and Zimbabwe eventually lost by a huge margin.
Evans played an entertaining knock in the end, scoring 43 runs off 21 balls to help his side trim the margin of defeat. For the West Indies, Gudakesh Motie picked up 4 wickets, and Akeal Hosein took 3 scalps.
Earlier, the West Indies posted their highest total in the T20 World Cup history. Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava removed Brandon King (9) and Shai Hope (14) in the powerplay. Shimron Hetmyer then forged a 122-run partnership with Rovman Powell for the third wicket.
Hetmyer smashed 85 runs off 34 balls and was removed by Cremer in the 15th over, while Powell scored 59 off 25 deliveries. After their dismissals, Rutherford (31* off 13) and Shepherd (21 off 10) played explosive cameos in the end to help the West Indies set a massive target.
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