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The West Indies cricket team vs Zimbabwe national cricket team rivalry may not have the same century-long history as some of international cricket’s biggest rivalries, but it has produced several important matches and memorable moments across Test, ODI and T20 cricket.
The two teams first played a Test series in 2000, when Zimbabwe toured the Caribbean. West Indies won that two-match series 2–0. Since then, the teams have met regularly in bilateral cricket and ICC tournaments.
West Indies have generally held the advantage in Test cricket, while Zimbabwe have produced several competitive performances in limited-overs cricket. The rivalry has also featured some important milestones for individual players, including performances by Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams.
One of the most recent major meetings came at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, when West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the Super Eight stage. West Indies scored 254/6, their highest total of the tournament, while Shimron Hetmyer made 85 from 34 balls.
West Indies vs Zimbabwe Timeline at a Glance
| Year | Major Event | Result/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | ODI meeting in Singapore | West Indies win by 6 wickets |
| 2000 | First Test series | West Indies win 2–0 |
| 2000 | NatWest Series in England | Zimbabwe defeat West Indies twice |
| 2001 | Clive Lloyd Trophy era begins | Test rivalry receives a named trophy |
| 2013 | Zimbabwe tour West Indies | West Indies win Tests 2–0, ODIs 3–0 and T20Is 2–0 |
| 2017 | Zimbabwe hosts West Indies | West Indies win Test series 1–0 |
| 2018 | World Cup Qualifier | Zimbabwe and West Indies meet in Super Six |
| 2022 | T20 World Cup | West Indies defeat Zimbabwe by 31 runs |
| 2023 | Zimbabwe Test series | West Indies win 1–0 |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup | West Indies defeat Zimbabwe by 107 runs |
1999: Early ODI Encounters
Before the teams began their Test rivalry, West Indies and Zimbabwe had already met in ODI cricket.
One notable meeting took place in September 1999 in Singapore during a triangular one-day tournament involving India, Zimbabwe and West Indies.
Zimbabwe batted first and scored 244 runs, with Andy Flower making 89.
West Indies chased the target successfully, reaching 247/4 and winning by six wickets. Sherwin Campbell scored 63, while Ricardo Powell remained unbeaten on 51.
This was part of the period when Zimbabwe were establishing themselves as a competitive ODI team.
2000: The Test Rivalry Begins
The official Test rivalry between West Indies and Zimbabwe began in March 2000.
Zimbabwe toured the Caribbean for a two-Test series.
West Indies won both Tests.
2000 Test Series
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad | West Indies won by 35 runs |
| 2nd Test | Sabina Park, Jamaica | West Indies won by 10 wickets |
| Series | Caribbean | West Indies won 2–0 |
The first Test was particularly competitive. West Indies made 187 and 147, while Zimbabwe scored 236 in their first innings before being dismissed for 63 in the fourth innings.
The second Test was more straightforward, with West Indies winning by 10 wickets.
The series established West Indies as the stronger Test side between the two teams.
2000: Zimbabwe Make an Impact in ODI Cricket
Later in 2000, Zimbabwe and West Indies met again in England during the NatWest Series, a triangular ODI tournament involving England, West Indies and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe produced two impressive victories over West Indies.
In the opening meeting at Bristol, West Indies scored 232/7, but Zimbabwe chased the target and reached 233/4.
Later in the tournament, Zimbabwe defeated West Indies again at Chester-le-Street. West Indies scored 287/5, but Zimbabwe successfully chased the total, reaching 290/4.
These results showed that Zimbabwe could compete strongly against West Indies in limited-overs cricket.
2000 NatWest Series Meetings
| Venue | West Indies | Zimbabwe | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol | 232/7 | 233/4 | Zimbabwe won |
| Chester-le-Street | 287/5 | 290/4 | Zimbabwe won |
The two sides therefore had a contrasting start to their rivalry: West Indies dominated the first Test series, while Zimbabwe recorded notable ODI victories.
2001: The Clive Lloyd Trophy
The Test rivalry later became associated with the Clive Lloyd Trophy, named after legendary West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd.
The trophy was first contested during the 2001 Test series between the two countries. West Indies had already won the previous Test series in 2000.
The trophy provided the Test rivalry with a permanent identity and recognized the contribution of one of West Indies’ greatest captains.
Clive Lloyd led West Indies during their golden period and played a major role in the team’s World Cup victories in 1975 and 1979.
2013: West Indies Dominate the Tour
One of the most comprehensive bilateral series between the two sides came in 2013, when Zimbabwe toured the Caribbean.
The teams played:
- Three ODIs
- Two T20Is
- Two Tests
West Indies won every international match.
2013 Tour Results
| Format | Matches | West Indies Wins | Zimbabwe Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| ODIs | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| T20Is | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 7 | 7 | 0 |
In the ODI series, West Indies won the first match by 156 runs, the second by seven wickets and the third by five wickets.
The T20I series was also won 2–0.
The Test series followed, with West Indies winning the first Test by nine wickets and the second by an innings and 65 runs.
2013: Chris Gayle Sets a Test Sixes Record
The second Test of the 2013 series contained an individual milestone involving Chris Gayle.
Gayle hit his 89th six in Test cricket, surpassing Brian Lara’s previous record of 88 sixes by a West Indies player.
Gayle’s performance was another example of the power-hitting style that became associated with modern West Indies cricket.
2017: Zimbabwe Host West Indies
West Indies toured Zimbabwe in October and November 2017 for a two-Test series.
The series was played for the Clive Lloyd Trophy.
West Indies won the series 1–0, with the second Test ending in a draw.
2017 Test Series
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Bulawayo | West Indies won by 117 runs |
| 2nd Test | Bulawayo | Draw |
| Series | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 1–0 |
The second Test was particularly notable for Zimbabwe’s ability to save the match after being placed under pressure.
The series also marked the international return of Zimbabwe players Brendan Taylor and Kyle Jarvis.
For West Indies, Devendra Bishoo was named Player of the Series after taking 13 wickets.
2018: World Cup Qualifier
West Indies and Zimbabwe met again during the 2018 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
The match took place during the Super Six stage of the tournament.
Both teams were fighting for qualification for the 2019 World Cup, making the encounter particularly important.
The tournament eventually saw West Indies qualify for the 2019 World Cup, while Zimbabwe missed out.
The tournament demonstrated the changing landscape of international cricket, where qualification tournaments became crucial for teams outside the traditional top group.
2022: T20 World Cup Meeting
West Indies and Zimbabwe met in the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
The match was played at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
West Indies batted first and scored 153/7.
Zimbabwe were dismissed for 122 in 18.2 overs, giving West Indies a 31-run victory.
2022 T20 World Cup
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| West Indies | 153/7 |
| Zimbabwe | 122 |
| Result | West Indies won by 31 runs |
| Venue | Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
| Player of the Match | Alzarri Joseph |
Alzarri Joseph was the standout bowler, taking 4/16.
The result gave West Indies an important win during the opening phase of the tournament, although neither team progressed to the Super 12 stage from that group.
2023: Zimbabwe and West Indies Resume Test Rivalry
West Indies returned to Zimbabwe in February 2023 for another two-Test series.
The first Test in Bulawayo ended in a draw.
Zimbabwe made 379/9 declared in their first innings, while West Indies responded with 447/6 declared. The match eventually ended without a result.
The second Test was very different.
West Indies bowled Zimbabwe out for 115 and 173 and won by an innings and four runs.
2023 Test Series
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Bulawayo | Draw |
| 2nd Test | Bulawayo | West Indies won by an innings and 4 runs |
| Series | Zimbabwe | West Indies won 1–0 |
The series also produced strong performances from Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Gudakesh Motie.
Chanderpaul scored 258 runs across the two Tests, while Motie took 19 wickets.
2026: T20 World Cup Super Eight Clash
The latest major men’s encounter between West Indies and Zimbabwe came at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The match was played on 23 February 2026 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field.
West Indies produced a spectacular batting performance, scoring 254/6 in 20 overs.
Shimron Hetmyer was the star of the innings, smashing 85 from just 34 balls. Rovman Powell also contributed a rapid 59 from 35 balls. West Indies hit 19 sixes and 16 fours during the innings.
Zimbabwe’s chase never gathered momentum.
They were eventually dismissed for 147 in 17.4 overs, giving West Indies a massive 107-run victory.
2026 T20 World Cup
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup |
| Stage | Super Eight |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| West Indies | 254/6 |
| Zimbabwe | 147 |
| Result | West Indies won by 107 runs |
| West Indies top scorer | Shimron Hetmyer – 85 |
| Zimbabwe top scorer | Brad Evans – 43 |
| Key bowler | Gudakesh Motie – 4/28 |
The match was significant for another reason: West Indies’ 254/6 was the highest team total of the 2026 tournament at that stage and the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history.
West Indies vs Zimbabwe: Test Head-to-Head
The Test rivalry has generally been dominated by West Indies.
Before the 2023 series, the teams had played 10 Tests, with West Indies winning seven and three ending in draws.
The 2023 series added another West Indies victory and a draw.
Test Series History
| Series | Result |
|---|---|
| 2000 | West Indies won 2–0 |
| 2001 | West Indies won |
| 2013 | West Indies won 2–0 |
| 2017 | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 2023 | West Indies won 1–0 |
Zimbabwe have yet to win a Test against West Indies.
Major West Indies vs Zimbabwe Matches
| Year | Match/Event | Important Moment |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | ODI in Singapore | West Indies won by 6 wickets |
| 2000 | First Test series | West Indies won 2–0 |
| 2000 | NatWest ODI series | Zimbabwe defeated West Indies twice |
| 2013 | ODI series | West Indies won 3–0 |
| 2013 | Test series | West Indies won 2–0 |
| 2017 | Test series | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 2018 | World Cup Qualifier | Super Six encounter |
| 2022 | T20 World Cup | West Indies won by 31 runs |
| 2023 | Test series | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup | West Indies won by 107 runs |
Greatest Players in the West Indies vs Zimbabwe Rivalry
Although the rivalry has not produced as many matches as some major international contests, several outstanding cricketers have played important roles.
West Indies Players
| Player | Major Contribution |
|---|---|
| Brian Lara | Legendary batting |
| Chris Gayle | Power hitting and Test sixes record |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | Long-format batting |
| Jason Holder | All-round cricket and leadership |
| Shai Hope | Test and ODI batting |
| Kraigg Brathwaite | Test opening batting |
| Devendra Bishoo | Spin bowling |
| Gudakesh Motie | Left-arm spin |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Aggressive batting |
| Alzarri Joseph | Fast bowling |
Zimbabwe Players
| Player | Major Contribution |
|---|---|
| Andy Flower | Wicketkeeping and batting |
| Grant Flower | Batting and all-round skills |
| Heath Streak | Fast bowling and leadership |
| Alistair Campbell | Opening batting |
| Brendan Taylor | Batting and wicketkeeping |
| Hamilton Masakadza | Batting and leadership |
| Sean Williams | Batting and spin bowling |
| Sikandar Raza | Batting and all-round cricket |
| Craig Ervine | Top-order batting |
| Brad Evans | Fast bowling and power hitting |
West Indies vs Zimbabwe: Test Series Timeline
| Year | Series Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | West Indies | West Indies 2–0 |
| 2001 | Zimbabwe | West Indies won |
| 2013 | West Indies | West Indies 2–0 |
| 2017 | Zimbabwe | West Indies 1–0 |
| 2023 | Zimbabwe | West Indies 1–0 |
The pattern is clear: West Indies have maintained a strong advantage in Test cricket against Zimbabwe.
West Indies vs Zimbabwe in ICC Tournaments
The teams have also met in major ICC competitions.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | World Cup Qualifier | West Indies vs Zimbabwe |
| 2022 | Men’s T20 World Cup | West Indies won by 31 runs |
| 2026 | Men’s T20 World Cup | West Indies won by 107 runs |
The 2026 meeting was particularly significant because it took place in the Super Eight stage, meaning both teams had progressed beyond the opening phase of the tournament.
Why Is the West Indies vs Zimbabwe Rivalry Interesting?
The West Indies vs Zimbabwe rivalry is different from many of cricket’s traditional rivalries.
1. A Modern Test Rivalry
Unlike contests such as Australia vs England, the Test rivalry only began in 2000.
2. West Indies’ Test Dominance
West Indies have won every Test series against Zimbabwe and have never lost a Test to them.
3. Zimbabwe’s ODI Capability
Zimbabwe have occasionally produced excellent performances against West Indies in limited-overs cricket, including their two victories during the 2000 NatWest Series.
4. T20 Cricket Has Created New Opportunities
The shorter format has allowed Zimbabwe to compete against established teams in major tournaments.
5. Emerging Players
Matches between the teams have provided opportunities for younger players to establish themselves at international level.
Conclusion
The West Indies Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team timeline is a story of two cricketing nations with very different histories but a growing international connection.
Their rivalry began with ODI encounters in the late 1990s before the first Test series took place in 2000. West Indies won that opening series 2–0 and have remained unbeaten against Zimbabwe in Test cricket.
Zimbabwe nevertheless demonstrated their limited-overs capabilities early in the rivalry, defeating West Indies twice during the 2000 NatWest Series in England.
The 2013 tour represented one of West Indies’ most dominant periods against Zimbabwe. West Indies won all seven international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. The series also featured Chris Gayle breaking Brian Lara’s West Indies record for most Test sixes.
In 2017, West Indies won another Test series in Zimbabwe, while the 2018 World Cup Qualifier brought the two teams together in an important qualification battle.
The 2022 T20 World Cup produced another West Indies victory, with Alzarri Joseph taking four wickets. In 2023, West Indies again won a Test series in Zimbabwe, this time by 1–0 after a draw in the opening Test.
The latest major chapter came at the 2026 T20 World Cup, when West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Mumbai. Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive 85 off 34 balls helped West Indies reach 254/6, while Gudakesh Motie took four wickets as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 147.
From their early ODI meetings to Test cricket, World Cup qualifiers and major T20 tournaments, the West Indies vs Zimbabwe rivalry continues to provide opportunities for both nations to showcase emerging talent and create new cricketing memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did West Indies and Zimbabwe first play a Test match?
West Indies and Zimbabwe played their first official Test series in March 2000 in the Caribbean. West Indies won the two-match series 2–0.
2. Has Zimbabwe ever defeated West Indies in a Test match?
No. Zimbabwe have not yet won a Test against West Indies. West Indies have remained unbeaten against Zimbabwe in Test cricket.
3. Who won the 2022 T20 World Cup match between West Indies and Zimbabwe?
West Indies won the match by 31 runs. West Indies scored 153/7 before dismissing Zimbabwe for 122. Alzarri Joseph took 4/16.
4. Who won the West Indies vs Zimbabwe Test series in 2023?
West Indies won the 2023 Test series 1–0. The first Test was drawn, while West Indies won the second Test by an innings and four runs.
5. What happened when West Indies played Zimbabwe at the 2026 T20 World Cup?
West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the Super Eight stage. West Indies scored 254/6, with Shimron Hetmyer making 85 from 34 balls, while Zimbabwe were dismissed for 147.