Tarouba, June 12, 2024 – In a thrilling contest at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the West Indies emerged victorious over New Zealand by 13 runs in the 26th match of Group C, held in Tarouba. Sherfane Rutherford’s scintillating unbeaten 68 off 39 balls proved decisive in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Batting first, the West Indies posted a competitive total of 149 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was Rutherford’s explosive knock, which included six boundaries and three sixes. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Rutherford stabilized the innings and accelerated towards the end, ensuring his team reached a challenging total.
The West Indies’ innings saw early contributions from Brandon King (23) and Nicholas Pooran (19), but it was Rutherford who stood out with his power-hitting and smart rotation of the strike. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Trent Boult (3/28) and Ish Sodhi (2/29), put up a commendable effort but couldn’t contain Rutherford’s onslaught in the death overs.
In reply, New Zealand’s chase of 150 started on a shaky note, losing early wickets and struggling to build partnerships. Glenn Phillips’ 41 off 28 balls gave them hope, but regular wickets kept the West Indies in the hunt. New Zealand needed 24 runs off the last two overs, but some tight bowling from Alzarri Joseph and Jason Holder ensured the Caribbean side held their nerve.
The West Indies bowlers displayed a disciplined performance, with Odean Smith (3/27) and Joseph (2/24) leading the attack. Their ability to take wickets at crucial moments kept the pressure on New Zealand throughout the innings. Despite a valiant lower-order effort from the Kiwis, they fell short, finishing at 136 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Sherfane Rutherford was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding innings, which turned the game in favor of the West Indies. Reflecting on his performance, Rutherford said, “It was a challenging situation when I came in to bat. I just focused on playing my natural game and taking the opportunities to score. It’s great to contribute to the team’s win.”
This victory bolsters the West Indies’ campaign in Group C, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the knockout stages. New Zealand, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and perform better in their upcoming matches to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The fans at Tarouba witnessed a match full of excitement and high-quality cricket, showcasing the competitive spirit of the T20 World Cup. As the tournament heats up, spectators can look forward to more such enthralling encounters.
Match Summary:
- West Indies: 149/9 (20 overs)
- Sherfane Rutherford 68* (39)
- Trent Boult 3/16, Tim Southee 2/27
- New Zealand: 136/9 (20 overs)
- Glenn Phillips 40 (33)
- Gudakesh Motie 3/25, Alzarri Joseph 4/19
- West Indies won by 13 runs
- Player of the Match: Sherfane Rutherford (WI) 68* (39)
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