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.
Also WATCH: ZIM vs WI: Akeal Hosein’s magic ball ends Brian Bennett’s dream run in T20 World Cup 2026
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:
Akeal Hosein has been a power play bank.
He is a real asset for any team.👌#T20WorldCup
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 23, 2026
The West Indies are sending a strong message to everyone else.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 23, 2026
🚨 TWO UNBEATEN TEAMS IN T20 WORLD CUP 2026 🚨
1) South Africa
2) West IndiesTHE BATTLE OF BEST THURSDAY…!!!! pic.twitter.com/DTxFlFKxPO
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 23, 2026
Feels like 2016 again, West Indies just showed up 💀 pic.twitter.com/WPIzuYi1cl
— isHaHaHa (@hajarkagalwa) February 23, 2026
What if West Indies defeats South Africa by 100 runs and then South Africa win by a small margin against Zimbabwe and end up getting their net-run-rate lower than India. OMG West Indies and India will qualify. WOW.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) February 23, 2026
West Indies win by 107 runs.
Domination
AnnihilationIndia and South Africa we coming for you two next. pic.twitter.com/Shm26mbGQW
— Caribbean Cricket Podcast (@CaribCricket) February 23, 2026
Given how big West Indies and South Africa have won their first game, it now boils down to West Indies vs South Africa game to determine if Team India can or how hard we have to struggle to make it to semis.
A South Africa win will help India qualify with a simple win but if it…
— G. S. Vivek (@GSV1980) February 23, 2026
Jo Darr tha wahi hua…West Indies kaa NRR 5.35 🤪🤪🤪… Still I think we go through to Semi’s… we will win both our matches and SA will all thr matches… 😊😊…Think Positive #India #T20WC2026
— Samip Rajguru (@samiprajguru) February 23, 2026
So basically this: while India have to beat both Zimbabwe and West Indies, they will qualify if South Africa beat West Indies on Thursday. Else SA and WI’s NRR will give them them ticket if teams are tied with 2 wins#ICCT20WORLDCUP
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 23, 2026
💥 NRR EARTHQUAKE ALERT! 💥🌪️
WEST INDIES CRUSH ZIMBABWE BY 107 RUNS and INDIA FEEL THE SHOCK 😳
+5.35 NRR FOR WINDIES 🤯 | KNOCKOUT SCENARIOS TURN FIERY 🔥
Scorecard: https://t.co/j7bePjOG6k#T20WorldCup2026 #ICCMensT20WorldCup #GudakeshMotie #cricket #Zimbabwe #WesIndies… pic.twitter.com/ST6ytjTedU— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 23, 2026
