WI vs NZ, ICC T20 World cup 2024 Match Report: Rutherford's heroics propel West Indies into Super 8s, push New Zealand towards exit door

West Indies reches Super 8s (PTI)

In a thrilling encounter at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Sherfane Rutherford's explosive batting in the final overs helped propel West Indies to a remarkable 13-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2024. The co-hosts' third consecutive, sealed by a superb bowling display, ensured their place in the Super Eights, while leaving New Zealand on the brink of elimination.

Early Struggles and Rutherford's Rescue

New Zealand's fast bowlers dominated the powerplay, reducing West Indies to four down in the first innings. Rutherford, finding himself at the crease in the sixth over after a top-order collapse, methodically built his innings despite minimal support. The West Indies were reeling at 112 for 9 after 18 overs when he launched a counter-attack, scoring 37 runs off the last two overs to lift the total to a competitive 149.

Late Flourish

Rutherford's innings was a masterclass in managing pressure. Initially cautious, he exploded in the final overs, particularly targeting Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner. His 33-ball half-century, featuring three sixes and two fours, turned the tide for West Indies. The assault after that included consecutive sixes off Mitchell and a majestic slog-swept maximum off Santner, underscoring his value to the team.

Key lower-order partnerships

Rutherford's crucial partnerships with Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, and Gudekesh Motie were pivotal. The unbroken 37-run stand for the last wicket with Motie set a new record for the highest 10th-wicket partnership in Men's T20 World Cup history. This significantly boosted West Indies' total from a precarious position.

New Zealand's Miscalculation

New Zealand's strategy of deploying their best bowlers early backfired. With their frontline bowlers’ quota exhausted, the responsibility fell on part-timers in the crucial final overs, which Rutherford capitalised on. Their failure to build significant partnerships and the early loss of key wickets, including Kane Williamson, undermined their chase.

Bowling Masterclass Secures the Defence

Alzarri Joseph, Motie, and Akeal Hosein starred with the ball for West Indies. Their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding stifled New Zealand's chase. Despite a valiant effort from Glenn Phillips and a late burst from Santner, New Zealand fell short. Joseph and Motie were instrumental with figures of 4-19 and 3-25.

After losses to the two other fancied sides in the group, West Indies and Afghanistan, New Zealand’s fate is now out of their hands. Victory for Afghanistan against the rank outsiders from Papua New Guinea will mean an early flight home for Williamson and his team, usually such strong performers in ICC events.

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