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.

The opener, who faced 49 balls, paced the host’s chase of a modest Zimbabwe total of 8-130 on Saturday.

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 were 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, striking four fours and two sixes.

He shared a fourth-wicket stand of 60 with left-hander Craig Ervine, who supplied 34 off 39 deliveries.

The second and final match is at the same venue on Sunday.