Sent in to bat, Hetmyer unleashed a blistering 85 off just 34 deliveries, hammering seven sixes and seven fours in a display of sheer power and timing.
His innings included the fastest fifty ever scored by a West Indian in a T20 World Cup, setting the tone for a massive team total. West Indies went on to post a towering 254/6 in 20 overs, the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history.
Hetmyer was well supported by Rovman Powell, who struck a fluent 59 as the pair added 122 runs in just 52 balls, completely dismantling the Zimbabwe bowling attack. After their departures, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd continued the onslaught, ensuring the run rate never dipped and pushing the score beyond 250.
Chasing an imposing target, Zimbabwe faltered early and never recovered. Despite a fighting 43 off 21 balls from No. 8 batter Brad Evans, the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer resistance. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 147 in 17.4 overs.
Gudakesh Motie starred with the ball, picking up 4/28, while Akeal Hosein claimed 3/28 to wrap up a dominant and emphatic win for West Indies.
West Indies vs Zimbabwe Squads:
Zimbabwe Squad: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza(c), Dion Myers, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Ben Curran, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa
West Indies Squad: Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales, Quentin Sampson, Johnson Charles
