Hetmyer’s 35* Counters Ngarava’s Early Strike as West Indies Reach 72/2

West Indies made a brisk start in the WI vs Zim encounter, reaching 72/2 in 6.6 overs after being asked to bat first.

Brandon King fell early for 9, caught off Richard Ngarava, while captain Shai Hope departed for 14 after edging Brad Evans. Zimbabwe’s new-ball pair kept things tight initially, reducing the hosts to 54/2 by the end of the powerplay.

However, Shimron Hetmyer shifted the momentum dramatically. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 35 off just 15 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes at a blistering strike rate of 233.33. Rovman Powell supported him at the other end as West Indies accelerated past 70 inside seven overs.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers showed discipline early, with Ngarava and Evans claiming a wicket each, but Graeme Cremer proved expensive in his short spell.

With wickets in hand and power-hitters yet to come, West Indies look poised for a big total in this crucial WI vs Zim contest.