West Indies in Super Eight round of T20 Cricket World cup

In a thrilling match at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, West Indies cricket team staged a remarkable comeback led by Sherfane Rutherford’s heroic efforts, securing their third consecutive victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Meanwhile, New Zealand finds themselves on the brink of elimination after succumbing to the host’s prowess. With this win, the co-hosts have not only sealed their place in the Super Eight but have also made a bold statement in the tournament.

New Zealand’s cricket team pace attack dominated the initial overs, leaving West Indies reeling at four down during the powerplay. Despite the early setbacks, Rutherford’s valiant resistance and a late onslaught propelled the hosts to a challenging total of 149 runs.

Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, and Akeal Hosein then spearheaded the bowling attack, restricting New Zealand to their second defeat in as many matches.

Rutherford’s heroic stand rescues West Indies

Rutherford found himself in a precarious situation due to the top-order collapse, entering the fray in the sixth over. Despite the adversity, he patiently built partnerships with Hosein, Andre Russell, and Romario Shepherd. While his innings initially comprised only two sixes off drag-down deliveries, he unleashed his full potential in the final overs.

New Zealand gambled by deploying their key bowlers early, but Rutherford’s onslaught in the closing stages turned the tide. He punished Daryl Mitchell with consecutive sixes before dispatching the ball for a third six in the over. With an array of boundaries and a thunderous slog-swept six, Rutherford reached a blistering half-century off just 33 balls, steering West Indies to a formidable total.

Allen’s aggression sets the tone

Finn Allen provided a fiery start to New Zealand’s chase, showcasing aggression despite losing Devon Conway early on. Allen’s boundary-hitting prowess propelled the chase forward, but the spin duo of Joseph and Motie disrupted New Zealand’s momentum with crucial breakthroughs.

Motie’s spin wizardry

Motie struck early, removing Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra in quick succession, while Hosein and Roston Chase kept the pressure intact. Joseph’s clinical bowling further dented New Zealand’s hopes, culminating in a decisive victory for West Indies.

Boult’s early breakthrough

At the outset, Trent Boult’s early breakthrough rattled West Indies, claiming the wicket of Johnson Charles in the very first over. Despite a brief resistance from Nicholas Pooran, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack orchestrated a top-order collapse.

Russell’s brief resurgence

A brief partnership between Hosein and Rutherford provided some stability, but Boult and Lockie Ferguson struck back, dismissing key batsmen with deliveries that stayed low. Although Russell showcased his power-hitting prowess, Boult’s reintroduction into the attack proved pivotal, tilting the scales in New Zealand’s favor momentarily.

Rutherford’s solo heroics

However, Rutherford’s breathtaking assault in the dying stages of the innings turned the match on its head, leaving New Zealand stunned and handing West Indies a crucial victory, fueled by the electric atmosphere at the Brian Lara Stadium.