The China Mail - Hetmyer blasts 85 as West Indies pile up 254-6 against Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bowl, then saw his bowlers flogged to all parts by a brutal Hetmyer.

Only Sri Lanka, who made 260-6 against Kenya in 2007, have scored more in a T20 World Cup match.

The West Indies comfortably went past Ireland's 235-5 against Oman in Colombo, the previous highest score in this World Cup.

Coming in at 17-1, the left-handed Hetmyer was given a life Zimbabwe would live to regret when dropped on nine by Tashinga Musekiwa at deep fine leg.

Hetmyer took full advantage, racing to his fifty off 19 balls with five huge sixes and four fours and passing 1,500 T20 international runs in the process.

He equalled South Africa's Aiden Markram for the fastest half-century of the tournament, but he was not finished there.

Hetmyer and Rovman Powell, who came in at 54-2, completed a century stand in 45 balls.

They had added 122 off 52 balls when the third wicket went down with 176 on the board in the 15th over.

Hetmyer, having been dropped for a second time on 70, this time was held in the deep having smashed seven sixes and seven fours.

Powell was out for 59, off 35 balls, scoring four fours and four sixes.

Sherfane Rutherford took his side past 200 with 31 not out off 13 balls. Romario Shepherd smacked 21 off 10 and Jason Holder 13 off three at the end.

V.Liu--ThChM