NORTH SOUND, Antigua - Lendl Simmons smashed six sixes in an unbeaten 63 as world champions West Indies powered to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening Twenty20 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Saturday.
The opener, who faced 49 balls, paced the host's chase of a modest Zimbabwe total of 8-130.
Simmons shared an unbroken, match-winning partnership of 85 with fellow Trinidadian, Dwayne Bravo, as the hosts raced to 2-131 off 16.1 overs. Bravo contributed 38 not out off 30 balls.
Earlier, Zimbabwe was restricted by fast bowler Tino Best's 3-18 and ace spinner Sunil Narine's 2-17. Allrounder Bravo took two wickets in the final over to claim 2-16.
Malcolm Waller top-scored for the visitors with 49 off 34 balls. The second and final match is at the same venue on Sunday.