Mumbai: Match 44 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between West Indies and Zimbabwe is underway at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, with Zimbabwe having won the toss and elected to field first. The decision backfired spectacularly as West Indies batters put on a blazing display, posting 254/6 in their 20 overs the highest total of this tournament. Zimbabwe are now at the crease chasing a mammoth target.
West Indies Innings: A Hetmyer-Powell Masterclass
West Indies’ start wasn’t smooth. Opener Brandon King was dismissed in just the third over for a modest 9 runs. However, Shimron Hetmyer and Shai Hope steadied the innings before Hope fell for 14 in the sixth over, leaving the Windies at two down early.
From that point, Hetmyer took complete control. He raced to his half-century off just 19 balls, and by the ninth over, West Indies had already crossed the 100-run mark. Rovman Powell joined the onslaught and complemented Hetmyer brilliantly, reaching his own fifty off 29 balls.
Hetmyer was eventually dismissed in the 15th over after a breathtaking knock of 85 runs off just 34 balls, studded with 7 fours and 7 sixes. West Indies were 176 at that point. Powell followed two overs later, but the carnage wasn’t over. Sherfane Rutherford came in and continued the aggressive approach, helping West Indies finish at an imposing 254/6.
Playing XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza (c), Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Dion Myers, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani.
Team Form Heading Into the Match
West Indies, captained by Shai Hope, have had a strong tournament despite facing criticism in recent years. They qualified for the Super 8 after dominant performances in the group stage and are firmly in contention for the title.
Also Read: India Still In The Hunt For Semi-Finals Despite Setback: Here’s How…
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have been the surprise package of the tournament. Captain Sikandar Raza led his side to the top of their group with a successful 169-run defence against Australia and a stunning chase of 179 against Sri Lanka. The team enters this match brimming with confidence.
Why India Are Watching This Match Closely
This Group 2 Super 8 encounter also carries significance for Team India. Following their 76-run defeat to South Africa, India’s net run rate took a hit. With India yet to face both West Indies and Zimbabwe in their remaining Super 8 matches, the outcomes in this game could meaningfully influence the semifinal equation.
Head-to-Head Record
West Indies and Zimbabwe have met four times in T20 International cricket, with West Indies winning three of those encounters. Their most recent meeting was at the 2022 T20 World Cup, where West Indies emerged victorious.
-
-
-
-
