West Indies Smash 254 in T20 World Cup Thriller as Zimbabwe Face Record Chase

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup produced a batting spectacle in Mumbai as West Indies powered their way to 254-6 against Zimbabwe in a Super 8s Group 1 clash, setting up one of the most daunting run chases in the tournament’s history.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Zimbabwe were left to rue their decision as the Caribbean side unleashed a relentless assault. West Indies’ total of 254-6 is the second-highest score ever recorded in a Men’s T20 World Cup and the highest T20 international total at the Wankhede. Zimbabwe now require 255 to win — a target that would represent the highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history.

The innings was defined by a breathtaking display of power hitting from Shimron Hetmyer. The left-hander raced to a 19-ball half-century, dismantling Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with clean striking to all parts of the ground. Hetmyer eventually fell for a scintillating 85 from just 34 deliveries, an innings that laid the foundation for the mammoth total. His ability to shift momentum early ensured West Indies maintained control throughout the innings.

Captain Rovman Powell provided strong support, compiling a fluent 59 from 35 balls. Speaking after the innings, Powell credited Hetmyer for relieving early pressure and allowing him time to settle. He highlighted the importance of partnership dynamics, noting how strike rotation and calculated aggression helped sustain the scoring rate. Powell also emphasized the team’s confidence playing in Mumbai, a venue where Caribbean players have historically enjoyed success.

West Indies crossed the 200-run mark with overs to spare, underlining their dominance on a batting-friendly surface. Late contributions from Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford further punished Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly in the closing overs. Shepherd struck consecutive sixes during a brief but explosive cameo, while Rutherford’s powerful hitting ensured the innings ended emphatically. A boundary off the final ball sealed the imposing total.

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack struggled to find consistency in both length and execution. Blessing Muzarabani claimed key wickets, including that of Jason Holder, but expensive overs at critical moments allowed West Indies to accelerate dramatically. Analysts noted that a lack of yorkers and over-reliance on slower deliveries proved costly on a ground known for its relatively short boundaries.

Historically, successful chases of 200 or more at the Wankhede in T20 internationals have been rare. The scale of Zimbabwe’s task cannot be overstated. Both teams entered the contest unbeaten in the tournament, adding further significance to the encounter. Openers Brian Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani began the reply with positive intent, knowing that sustained aggression and a strong powerplay would be essential.

As Zimbabwe pursue what would be a record-breaking victory, the pressure is immense. The conditions remain favorable for batting, but maintaining the required run rate against a confident West Indies attack presents a formidable challenge. Regardless of the outcome, the match has already delivered a memorable exhibition of T20 power hitting on one of cricket’s grand stages.