February 23, 2026, 9:30 pm
The iconic Wankhede Stadium witnessed a batting masterclass today as the West Indies faced off against Zimbabwe in a high-stakes Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Led by a record-breaking performance from Shimron Hetmyer, the Men in Maroon have put themselves in a commanding position to dismantle the tournament’s “giant-killers.”
After Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl, the West Indies responded with pure aggression. Despite losing two early wickets in the powerplay, Shimron Hetmyer turned the match on its head with a historic display of power hitting.
Fastest Fifty: Hetmyer smashed the fastest half-century ever by a West Indian in T20 World Cup history, reaching the milestone in just 19 balls.
The Over of Mayhem: In a staggering display of dominance, Hetmyer dispatched five sixes in a single over, leaving the Zimbabwean bowlers searching for answers.
Final Stand: Hetmyer eventually departed for a blistering 85 off 34 balls, a knock that included seven massive sixes and anchored a 122-run partnership.
As Hetmyer exited, captain Rovman Powell ensured there was no respite for the Zimbabwe attack. Powell reached his own 50 off 30 balls, punctuated by a monstrous 106-meter six that landed in the second tier of the Wankhede stands.
| Key Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 85 | 34 | 4/7 |
| Rovman Powell* | 51* | 31 | 1/5 |
| Sherfane Rutherford* | 2* | 2 | 0/0 |
Data as of 15.3 overs.
Zimbabwe entered this match with a “fairytale” reputation after stunning victories over Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stages. However, they found the batting-friendly Mumbai conditions a far cry from the surfaces they mastered in Sri Lanka.
For both teams, this match is effectively a playoff. Following India’s heavy defeat to South Africa yesterday, a victory today would propel either side to the top tier of Group 1, making them favorites for a semi-final berth.
“We respect every opposition, but we believe in our execution,” said West Indies coach Darren Sammy ahead of the match. His team’s execution today has certainly sent a message to the rest of the field.
At the 15.3-over mark, the West Indies sit at 187/3, with a projected score well north of 230. Zimbabwe will need a clinical performance with the remaining overs and an unprecedented chase to keep their winning streak alive.
