New Delhi, February 23 – Following the West Indies' stunning performance against Zimbabwe in their Super 8 match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, former Indian spinner Anil Kumble praised the Caribbean team's overall performance, highlighting the effectiveness of their spinners.
With a remarkable 254/6 in their 20 overs, led by a brilliant 85 off 34 balls from Shimron Hetmyer, the West Indies secured a 107-run victory, as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 147.
"The West Indies understand what it takes to win at this stage of the tournament. Their left-arm spinners were outstanding. Gudakesh Motie bowled brilliantly. In this format, finger spinners often try to avoid the batter's hitting arc, but Motie and Hosein were different," Kumble told JioHotstar.
"Shimron Hetmyer has long been a finisher and knows how to clear the boundaries. He has the power and the temperament. What stands out is that he doesn't settle for quick cameos of 20 or 30. He converts them into substantial scores. Had he fallen for 30, perhaps the West Indies wouldn't have reached 254," Kumble added, highlighting the significance of Hetmyer's innings in guiding the West Indies to their mammoth total.
Kumble also noted Rovman Powell's calculated approach, as the batter scored 59 off 35 balls, noting, "Powell is again a proven power-hitter. He took his time initially, but once he settled, he was unstoppable. He strikes the ball extremely hard."
Regarding India's challenges ahead in the tournament, Kumble stressed the importance of each match following India's recent loss to South Africa.
"Every game counts at this stage. India suffered a significant loss to South Africa, and it wasn't just about losing, but the manner of that defeat. The key question now is whether they can bounce back strongly against Zimbabwe," he said, reflecting on the team's need for a strong recovery.
For India to stay in contention for a semifinal spot, Kumble emphasised the need for dominant victories, much like the West Indies' comprehensive win.
"India needs to win convincingly, much like the West Indies did against Zimbabwe, to improve their net run rate. After that, they must also beat the West Indies. The primary focus should be on winning both matches. The net run rate will naturally improve if they are in control of the game," Kumble concluded.
With India's fate hanging in the balance, every run and wicket could prove crucial as the tournament progresses.
