In a one-sided affair at Wankhede, West Indies scripted a commanding 107-run victory over Zimbabwe, keeping their Super-8 campaign on track. Batting first, the Men in Maroon racked up 254 for 6, thanks to power-hitting from Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer.
Powell’s gritty half-century – 59 runs off 35 deliveries with 8 boundaries – rescued the innings after early jolts. His 122-run stand with Hetmyer’s classy 85 laid the foundation for a tall score.
Zimbabwe’s batsmen never got going, succumbing to 147 all out. Gudakesh Motie’s 4/28 stole the show, his wrist-spin extracting sharp turn on a pitch that surprised everyone.
Captain Shai Hope showered accolades on Powell: ‘Thrilled to see him contribute significantly.’ On struggling opener Brandon King, who scored a quick 9, Hope exuded calm: ‘I’m not worried. He’s in good form, and I trust his talent completely.’
The skipper highlighted the pitch’s behavior: ‘Didn’t expect such turn, especially from leg-spinners early on.’ Motie’s return to form was a bonus: ‘He’s utilized the break perfectly.’
Next up, a blockbuster against South Africa on February 26. West Indies look primed for more glory.