Zimbabwe had started off well in their T20 world cup meeting with the West Indies and immediately made a statement in their Super Eights meeting at the Wankhede stadium. The bowlers of captain Sikandar Raza got rid of both the openers after he won the toss and went to the field.
On the last over of the Powerplay Brad Evans, plunging the pitch in the surface, deprived Hope of the breadth and pace upon which he lives. Evans shook his fingers, and with another slower delivery Hope, making an effort to get across the line, could not secure it with a clean grip. Brian Bennett, who was straining to get to his left, dashed in a full-length charge and flung himself forward in a full-length dive and caught it a few inches above the ground. It was also his second attempt at diving in the tournament.
Check Video, match 44, T20 World Cup 2026, here:
What a moment in the field! Brian Bennett takes a screamer to dismiss Shai Hope. ⚡
ICC Men's #T20WorldCup | SUPER 8 | #ZIMvWI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/vCrA64jJ8c pic.twitter.com/MUyKnQlQVS
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 23, 2026Richard Ngarava made another appearance with the XI, and opened with a four-run over, which made just enough motion to leave Brandon King and Shai Hope on their heels. Blessing Muzarabani was his corrective, and even topped Hope with one. At the end of two overs West Indies was 7 minus.
The initial revolution came in the third over when Ngarava cleverly bowled shortly a slower ball when King wanted to smash a maximum. The miscued slap landed on the deep side of the fielder and this terminated the stay of King who was at 9 out of 12 balls and provided a good start to Zimbabwe. Shimron Hetmyer attempted to turn the tide as he discovered two boundaries. But Zimbabwe continued to wear away with astute shifts of pace. The West Indies had lost half of its side by the conclusion of the Powerplay, 55/2.
