Righto, that’s that for this game. A comprehensive win for West Indies, who look dominant as ever. If you missed any of the action, Deiva Muthu’s report has you covered. That’s it from us, though. The games come thick and fast in the competition, so tune in for England-Pakistan tomorrow. We will be live nicely and nearly, but till then, this is me, Ashish, signing off on behalf of Abhijato, Vairavan, and Sudeep.
Shai Hope, West Indies captain: It was a joy to watch. Rovman also added to his run tally. So was great. [Ball gripping] Didn’t think it would spin as much as it did today, especially when the leggie bowled in the first innings. The way it was spinning was good to see. [On Motie] We tend to neglect how important time away from the game is. He has used the time away from the game well and has brought something beneficial for us with the wrist spin. Great to see him contributing. [Next game and opening partnership] Yeah, you always want to improve, get better, look better. Not too concerned about King. He’s batting well and I am confident about his ability.
Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe captain: [How’s the finger?] The plan of action is to go for a scan tomorrow and hopefully it will all be fine. [Change of venue] I think if we think about change in venues, change in country, we will not learn anything, and for me it is very important to learn from this game. We don’t want to look for excuses. If we want to go through we have to win in every country, every venue. [Huge target] We thought when we batted, it will stay true but it started to turn. But it was a good learning game. There was a time that myself and Tony were saying that even if the RR gets to 18 we can get it. Motie’s spell changed the game. But at this ground, you are never out of the game. [India game] Certainly, even though there are bruises, but we will look to win and earn respect. Both teams have lost and we will try and be better.
Shimron Hetmyer is the Player of the match: [On his innings] Means a lot. More so, because I didn’t get a lot in the last game. I just want replicate the things I have been doing in the last two months. [No. 3] Feels good. It is a lot easier now as I have been doing it often. Having the backing from everyone, makes it a more comfortable head space. [Leading six-hitter] I am not thinking too much about it. Feels good to accomplish something like that. We as a team haven’t accomplished anything as this is just one game. I have my family back home who have been supporting me and that helps me doing better. [What has worked?] Not overthinking my batting. Been overthinking in the past. Now I am trying to think less and the bat will now do the talking and I react what’s in front of me.
10.45pm A target of 255 was always an improbable one but West Indies never let Zimbabwe get anywhere near that score. Forde picked up the first wicket of Marumani, but thereon it was all about the two spin twins – Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie. While Hosein picked up 3 for 28, Motie finished with 4 for 28 and Zimbabwe had no answers. The margin of defeat would have been a lot more if not for Brad Evans’ cameo off 43 off 21. He was the last man to fall but this was one-way street through and through. This is a huge win for WI – their second-highest margin of victory in T20Is and they move to the top of the points table with the NRR reading +5.350!
