Sherfane Rutherford's explosive knock, followed by a stellar bowling performance from Alzarri Joseph, propelled West Indies to a thrilling 13-run victory over New Zealand in their Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday. Sent in to bat first, West Indies were in trouble at 76 for 7 in the 13th over. However, Rutherford's unbeaten 68 off 39 balls, aided by key partnerships with Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, and Romario Shepherd, lifted the team to a competitive score of 149/9.
New Zealand's Bowling Performance
Trent Boult was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, claiming three wickets. Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson also made significant contributions with two wickets each. Despite a strong start with the ball, New Zealand conceded crucial runs in the latter part of the innings, which proved costly.
West Indies' Dominant Bowling Display
Defending the target of 150, West Indies' bowlers applied pressure from the outset. Akeal Hosein struck early, dismissing Devon Conway. Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie then tightened the screws on New Zealand's batting line-up during the middle overs. Joseph emerged as the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Motie claimed three. Hosein also chipped in with one wicket.
New Zealand's Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 150, New Zealand lost wickets in quick succession and struggled to build momentum. Finn Allen provided a brief spark with some aggressive shots, but the Kiwis were soon reeling at 63 for 5 by the 11th over. Glenn Phillips fought hard, top-scoring with 40 off 33 balls, but lacked support from the other end. Mitchell Santner hit three sixes in the final over, but it was too late, as New Zealand finished on 136/9 in 20 overs.
West Indies Secure Super 8s Spot
With this victory, West Indies secured their place in the Super 8s stage of the tournament, marking their third consecutive win. On the other hand, New Zealand, having suffered back-to-back losses, now faces an uphill battle and will need a miracle to progress further in the tournament. West Indies' comprehensive performance with both bat and ball showcased their dominance and resilience, setting the stage for an exciting Super 8s phase in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
Ⓒ Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
