Sikandar Raza’s wild celebration after Brian Bennett’s screamer removes Shai Hope

Sikandar Raza could not contain his excitement as Brian Bennett pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss West Indies captain Shai Hope in their Group 1 Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium. The Zimbabwe skipper was visibly pumped up, celebrating animatedly after the Chevrons removed both Windies openers.

The breakthrough came when Brad Evans outfoxed Hope with a clever change of pace. Rolling his fingers across the seam, Evans delivered a slower ball on a hard length over middle and off. Hope attempted to slog it across the line but swung slightly early, failing to generate timing or power. The ball ballooned towards deep mid-wicket, where Bennett had plenty to do.

Covering significant ground to his left, Bennett kept his eyes firmly on the ball before launching into a full-length dive to complete a sensational catch. The effort left teammates thrilled and reduced West Indies to 54/2. It was a moment of brilliance in the field, underlining Zimbabwe’s sharpness and intensity in the must-win encounter.

Earlier, Raza had called correctly at the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit any early assistance on offer.

With South Africa and India also in Group 1 — the Proteas having thrashed India by 76 runs in Ahmedabad — both Zimbabwe and West Indies knew a victory would heap further pressure on the co-hosts.

Zimbabwe entered the Super 8s on a high after topping Group B, having stunned Australia and Sri Lanka in the league stage. It marked their first-ever qualification to the second round of a T20 World Cup. West Indies, who topped Group C, made one change, bringing in Romario Shepherd for Roston Chase. Zimbabwe introduced Richard Ngarava in place of Wellington Masakadza.

While the Wankhede pitch traditionally favours batters, it has shown signs of slowing down in the second innings, making Zimbabwe’s early strikes — and Bennett’s screamer — all the more crucial.