West Indies clinched their place in the Super 8 stages of the 2024 T20 World Cup after a clinical victory over New Zealand in front of a packed crowd in Trinidad. Despite a shaky start with the bat, Sherfane Rutherford’s special innings guided them to a competitive total of 149. New Zealand, already under pressure, couldn’t muster enough with the bat and fell short by 13 runs, reports Cricket Live Score.
Where was the game won?
At the death with the bat for West Indies. Their innings seemed stagnant, and New Zealand looked to be bouncing back strongly after a heavy defeat to Afghanistan. However, Rutherford turned up the heat in the final overs, hitting sixes and propelling the home side to a fighting total with an unbeaten 68. Except for Glenn Phillips, no other batter from either team managed to score even half of what Rutherford did.
West Indies
Powerplay: A Disastrous Start
Phase Score: 23/4 (RR: 5.75, 4s/6s: 3/0)
Trent Boult struck early, as usual, removing Johnson Charles with a thick edge crashing into the stumps. Nicholas Pooran tried to capitalize on fielding restrictions but was caught out by Tim Southee, who also dismissed skipper Rovman Powell. Roston Chase’s mistimed shot off Lockie Ferguson added to the woes as New Zealand made a strong start.
Middle Overs: NZ Remain in Control
Phase Score: 68/3 (RR: 7.55, 4s/6s – 2/5)
James Neesham’s return proved effective for New Zealand, reducing West Indies to 30/5. Akeal Hosein’s brief spark with a six was insufficient, as West Indies managed only 49 by the halfway mark. Even Andre Russell’s cameo couldn’t lift the innings much, leaving Rutherford to deliver something special in the final overs.
Death Overs: A One-Man Show
Phase Score: 58/2 (RR: 11.6, 4s/6s – 3/5)
From 30/5, West Indies set New Zealand a target of 150, thanks to Rutherford’s brilliance at the death. With Boult, Southee, and Ferguson finishing their overs before the 18th, Kane Williamson turned to Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner, whom Rutherford exploited to add 37 runs in the final overs.
New Zealand
Powerplay: A Stuttering Start
Phase Score: 36/2 (RR: 6, 4s/6s – 3/1)
New Zealand’s start looked better compared to West Indies but still lacked firepower. Finn Allen started positively, but Devon Conway’s poor sweep on an uneven surface cost him his wicket. Alzarri Joseph then dismissed Allen with a short ball in the final over of the powerplay.
Middle Overs: Hopes on Phillips as New Zealand Cave In
Phase Score: 49/3 (RR: 5.44, 4s/6s – 1/2)
Gudakesh Motie struck thrice post-powerplay, leaving New Zealand in trouble. Williamson edged one attempting a cut, Rachin Ravindra was caught at deep midwicket, and Motie bowled another batter. At 63/5, New Zealand’s campaign seemed to be sinking.
Death Overs: Not Enough in the Tank
Phase Score: 51/4 (RR: 10.2, 4s/6s – 3/5)
New Zealand needed a Rutherford-like performance at the death but lost Neesham on the first ball of the 16th over. Despite Phillips hitting a few boundaries, New Zealand lagged. Joseph sealed their fate by taking two wickets in two balls, including Phillips. Needing 33 in the final over, Santner briefly raised hopes with two sixes, but Romario Shepherd managed to contain the damage.
Brief Scores:
West Indies 149/9 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 68*; Trent Boult 3/16, Tim Southee 2/21) beat New Zealand 136/9 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 40; Alzarri Joseph 4/19) by 13 runs.
What’s Next?
New Zealand will face Uganda at the same venue in their next game, hoping to secure wins against Uganda and PNG. However, a victory for Afghanistan against PNG tomorrow would eliminate New Zealand. West Indies will meet Afghanistan in their final group game.
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