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T20 World Cup 2026: Fans react as West Indies hand Zimbabwe 107-run hammering in Super 8 game at Wankhede

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T20 World Cup 2026: Fans react as West Indies hand Zimbabwe 107-run hammering in Super 8 game at Wankhede

The West Indies delivered a statement of intent at the Wankhede Stadium on February 23, 2026, crushing an unbeaten Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their opening T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 fixture. This victory not only halted Zimbabwe’s fairytale run but also saw the Windies rewrite the record books with the highest total of the 2026 edition so far.

Despite Zimbabwe winning the toss and electing to bowl, they were powerless against a ruthless Caribbean batting lineup that exploited the short boundaries of Mumbai to perfection. The win maintains the West Indies’ flawless record at the Wankhede in T20 World Cups and places them at the top of their Super 8 group. With this performance, the two-time champions have signaled they are the team to beat in the race for the semi-finals.

Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford ignite Wankhede with record-breaking firepower

The West Indies posted a gargantuan 254/6, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history, fueled by a savage batting display led by Shimron Hetmyer. After a steady start, Hetmyer unleashed carnage, smashing a 19-ball half-century and finishing with a blistering 85 off 34 balls, a knock that included eight towering sixes. He found a destructive partner in Sherfane Rutherford, who provided the late-innings impetus with a quick-fire 31 off 13 balls* as the Windies plundered 75 runs in the final five overs.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers, who had been disciplined throughout the group stage, looked shell-shocked as the ball flew to all parts of the ground, with even the reliable Blessing Muzarabani conceding heavy runs. Despite being dropped twice, Hetmyer’s ‘X-factor’ innings effectively batted Zimbabwe out of the contest before they even began their chase. The total of 254 set a mountainous required run rate of 12.75, leaving the African nation needing a miracle to remain competitive in their first-ever Super 8 appearance on Indian soil.

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Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein spin a web to dismantle the Zimbabwean chase against West Indies

The Zimbabwean response never found its rhythm as they were bundled out for 147 in 17.4 overs, falling victim to a clinical and disciplined West Indian bowling attack. Akeal Hosein set the tone early, ripping through the top order to leave Zimbabwe reeling at 20/3 within the first three overs. However, the true star of the second innings was Gudakesh Motie, who registered his career-best T20I figures of 4/28, including the prized wicket of Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza.

Raza’s dismissal for 18 effectively signaled the end of any realistic chase, despite a spirited late-order cameo from Brad Evans, who smashed 43 off 21 balls to provide some entertainment for the Mumbai crowd. The pace duo of Alzarri Joseph and Jason Holder provided the perfect finishing touches, with Holder claiming a sharp caught-and-bowled to wrap up the lower order. This 107-run victory is a massive boost for the West Indies’ Net Run Rate and serves as a reality check for Zimbabwe, who must now win their remaining fixtures to stay alive in the competition.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Sunil Gavaskar slams star India batter following humiliating defeat against South Africa

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