Zimbabwe fall short in steep chase
Chasing a mammoth 255-run target, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs despite a fighting 43 off 21 balls from all-rounder Brad Evans.
Diaon Myers (28), captain Sikandar Raza (27) and Tony Munyonga (14) were the only other batters to reach double figures as the West Indies bowlers dominated proceedings.
Motie led the charge with figures of 4/28 in four overs, while fellow spinner Akeal Hosein claimed three wickets. Matthew Forde chipped in with two scalps to seal a comprehensive victory.
Hetmyer, Powell set up imposing total
Earlier, after being put in to bat by Zimbabwe, the two-time champions posted a formidable 254/6 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Hetmyer’s explosive 85 off just 34 balls, featuring seven sixes and seven fours, earning him Player of the Match honours.
West Indies lost Brandon King early for nine, but Hetmyer and captain Shai Hope steadied the innings with a 37-run stand before Hope departed for 14.
Hetmyer then combined with Rovman Powell in a game-defining 122-run partnership for the third wicket off just 51 deliveries. Powell contributed a rapid 59 off 35 balls, striking four sixes and four boundaries, before falling to Blessing Muzarabani.
Late cameos from Romario Shepherd (21) and Sherfane Rutherford (31 not out) ensured West Indies maintained a relentless scoring rate.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava and Muzarabani picked up two wickets each, while Graeme Cremer and Evans claimed one apiece.
The emphatic win gives West Indies a strong start to their Super Eight campaign, while Zimbabwe suffer their first defeat of the tournament.
