West Indies Blasts 254/6 in Historic T20 World Cup Display Against Zimbabwe
The West Indies cricket team delivered a dominant batting performance at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, scoring 254/6 against Zimbabwe in their Super 8 clash of the 2026 T20 World Cup. This massive score stands as the second-highest team total in the tournament’s history, cementing the Caribbean side’s reputation for power hitting.
Historical Context: Chasing Sri Lanka’s Record
The 254/6 total falls just six runs short of the all-time T20 World Cup record set by Sri Lanka. In the inaugural 2007 edition, Sri Lanka posted 260/6 against Kenya. The West Indies’ effort marks only the second time a team has breached the 250-run mark in the competition’s history.
This performance also established a new record for the highest T20 International score recorded against Zimbabwe, surpassing India’s 234/2 in Harare in 2024. Furthermore, the innings featured 19 sixes, equaling the tournament record held by the Netherlands (vs. Ireland, 2014).
Top Team Totals in Men’s T20 World Cup History
| Team | Score | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 260/6 | Kenya | 2007 |
| West Indies | 254/6 | Zimbabwe | 2026 |
| West Indies | 218/5 | Afghanistan | 2024 |
| South Africa | 229/4 | England | 2016 |
Hetmyer Leads the Charge
After a shaky start where openers Brandon King (9) and Shai Hope (14) fell inside the powerplay leaving the side at 55/2, Shimron Hetmyer shifted the momentum. Hetmyer scored a blistering 85 off 34 balls, striking seven fours and seven sixes.
Hetmyer reached his half-century in just 19 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty by a West Indies batter in T20 World Cup history. He punished the Zimbabwe bowling attack, notably taking 20 runs off an over from Sikandar Raza.
Key Match Statistics
- Total Score: 254/6 (20 Overs)
- Top Scorer: Shimron Hetmyer (85 off 34)
- Key Partnership: 122 runs (Hetmyer & Rovman Powell)
- Total Sixes: 19 (Equals T20 World Cup Record)
Innings Progression
At the halfway mark, West Indies sat comfortably at 115/2. Hetmyer found support from captain Rovman Powell, who constructed a brisk 50 off 29 balls. Their 122-run partnership stabilized the innings before launching an aggressive assault in the death overs.
Following the departure of the set batters, cameos from Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder kept the run rate high. Sherfane Rutherford provided the final flourish, remaining unbeaten with 31 runs off just 13 deliveries to push the total past 250.
For official tournament standings and upcoming fixtures, visit the ICC T20 World Cup Official Site or check match data on ESPN Cricinfo.