West Indies Vs Zimbabwe: Windies top Group 1 after 107-run Super 8 victory in Mumbai

The West Indies secured a 107-run win over Zimbabwe in Mumbai to open their Super 8 stage with a fifth victory from five at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. The result matters because the Windies posted 254-6 — the second-highest total in T20 World Cups — and moved to the top of Group 1 on net run-rate in the competition.

West Indies Vs Zimbabwe — Mumbai Super 8 dominance

West Indies piled up 254-6 in their innings, a figure identified as the second-highest total in T20 World Cups, and completed a dominant 107-run victory as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in 17. 4 overs. The margin restored the Windies to the top of Group 1 on net run-rate and marked their fifth win from five matches in this tournament.

Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive innings and final score

Shimron Hetmyer produced a rapid assault, registering a 19-ball fifty during his knock and finishing with 85 off 34 balls. That contribution underpinned the Windies’ big total and set the tone for the batting display that the Windies captain described as enjoyable when everyone is firing.

Rovman Powell’s raw power and 59 off 35

Rovman Powell added raw power to the Windies innings, smashing 59 off 35 balls. The performance was singled out in coverage of the T20 World Cup and formed a key element of the batting assault that left Zimbabwe chasing an imposing target.

Gudakesh Motie and the Windies bowling return: 4-28

Gudakesh Motie produced a match-defining spell, finishing with 4-28 as Zimbabwe reached 147 in 17. 4 overs. Nicholas (first name unclear in the provided context) Evans top-scored for Zimbabwe with 43 off 21 balls, while Akeal Hosein claimed 3-28 for the Windies. The bowling effort complemented the batting, and Motie’s figures were highlighted by the Windies captain as evidence of the value of time away from the game and focused skill work.

Shai Hope and Sikander Raza on performance and perspective

Shai Hope, the Windies captain, said the team enjoyed that batting performance and noted that when everyone contributes it becomes a joy to watch. He also commented that he had not expected the ball to spin as much on the surface but praised the spinners for utilising the conditions at the backend of the innings.

Zimbabwe captain Sikander Raza set out a short-term plan: the team would go for an extra tomorrow and see how it goes, while stressing he did not want to focus on venues. Raza said Zimbabwe must learn from the game rather than look for excuses and insisted that to progress they would have to play their best cricket at any venue, whether in India or in Sri Lanka. He also noted that two teams had lost two games and therefore both had something to prove.

Match context, coverage notes and takeaways

Coverage invited readers to take a read of Tim Abraham's report to relive West Indies’ stunning 107-run victory. The match was described as an "absolute cracker" with the coverage team saying they enjoyed taking viewers through it. A sidebar note reflected on an earlier prediction for an England v Zimbabwe final — "In retrospect, perhaps not. " Fans were encouraged to have their say using the 'Get Involved' button on the page, and readers were reminded to return for live text coverage of the forthcoming England v Pakistan match, with that coverage starting at 13: 00 GMT.

What makes this notable is the combination of an extraordinary top-order total — 254-6 — and a sustained bowling performance led by Motie, which together produced a comprehensive victory that altered the Group 1 table. The timing matters because the result gives the Windies momentum as the Super 8 round progresses in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026, and places pressure on the other teams in the group to respond.

Shimron Hetmyer certainly pulled things out of the bag with the bat, and Gudakesh Motie drew plaudits for his bowling exploits. For Zimbabwe, the task is clear: recover from a heavy defeat, learn from the shortcomings highlighted by their captain, and attempt to secure results at any venue if they are to progress.