Teenage opener Eboni Brathwaite announced herself on the international stage with a record-breaking innings as West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the second Women’s T20I in Harare to clinch the three-match series.
The 17-year-old blasted 57 from just 23 balls, reaching her maiden international half-century in only 20 deliveries – the fastest fifty ever scored by a West Indies batter in Women’s T20I cricket.
Her explosive innings helped the visitors chase down 107 with 65 balls remaining, giving West Indies an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and earning Brathwaite the Player of the Match award.
Brathwaite rewrites West Indies record books
Opening the batting, Brathwaite attacked Zimbabwe’s bowlers from the very beginning, combining clean hitting with fearless stroke play. She raced to her half-century in just 20 balls, eclipsing the previous West Indies record set by Deandra Dottin, who reached her fifty in 21 deliveries against Bangladesh in 2025.
Brathwaite eventually finished with 57 off 23 balls, striking three fours and six sixes at an outstanding strike rate of 247.82 before departing late in the powerplay.
The innings also made her the youngest West Indies player to score a Women’s T20I half-century.
At 17 years and 263 days, she surpassed Dottin’s previous record of 17 years and 355 days, established against Australia in 2009.
Her 20-ball fifty is now jointly the third-fastest in Women’s T20I history.
West Indies dominate the chase
Set a modest target of 107, West Indies wasted little time taking complete control of the contest.
Brathwaite’s assault during the powerplay effectively settled the outcome before Zimbabwe could apply any pressure.
After her dismissal, Realeanna Grimmond remained unbeaten on 23 while Stefanie Taylor guided the chase to ensure West Indies completed victory with eight wickets in hand.
Series continues Caribbean dominance
The result capped another dominant performance by the visitors during their tour of Zimbabwe.
West Indies had already claimed the three-match ODI series 2-1 before carrying that momentum into the T20Is. They won the opening T20I before securing the second match to seal the series with one game still to play.
The final T20I now offers West Indies the opportunity to complete a clean sweep.
Bright future for Brathwaite
Brathwaite’s remarkable innings continued an impressive start to her international career.
Having debuted against Sri Lanka in March 2026, the youngster has quickly established herself as one of the brightest prospects in West Indies women’s cricket.
After only four T20I innings, she has accumulated 106 runs at a strike rate above 168, with her maiden international fifty highlighting both her power and maturity at the highest level.
Her record-breaking performance in Harare not only secured a series victory for West Indies but also announced the arrival of another exciting young talent capable of shaping the team’s future in the shortest format.
