Sherfane Rutherford credited his preparation during the IPL for his match-winning performance, which propelled the West Indies into the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup. In a thrilling Group C match in Tarouba, West Indies defeated New Zealand by 13 runs, knocking out the former runners-up.
Rutherford’s unbeaten half-century was pivotal as he struck six sixes and two fours in a 39-ball 68, rescuing West Indies from a precarious 76 for 7 to a competitive 149 for 9. Pacer Alzarri Joseph and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie then dismantled New Zealand’s lineup, restricting them to 136 for 9. Joseph took 4/19, while Motie had 3/25.
Rutherford expressed his delight post-match, saying, “It is one tick in the box, but it is only the start of something big to come. Hopefully, we can continue the momentum.” He highlighted his preparation during his two-month stint with IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders, where he focused on planning and refining his skills.
“Want to thank God for the opportunity. I was in IPL for two months. I was preparing even though I wasn’t playing. I was preparing for this. To take it deep was the plan. Me and (Daren) Sammy had a talk. We spoke of taking it deep and just keep rotating the strike as I can make up for it later on,” Rutherford said.
New Zealand, after a heavy defeat to Afghanistan, made three changes to their lineup. Despite early breakthroughs from Trent Boult (3/16) and Tim Southee (2/21), who reduced West Indies to 23/4, Rutherford’s composed innings in the latter half shifted the game’s momentum.
Rutherford’s late onslaught included a record 37-run partnership for the 10th wicket with Motie, setting a new benchmark in ICC T20 World Cup history. The West Indies’ total of 149 for 9 proved challenging for New Zealand, who lost early wickets and struggled to build momentum.
Despite a valiant effort from Glenn Phillips (40) and a late surge from Mitchell Santner (three sixes in the final over), New Zealand fell short, ensuring West Indies’ advance to the Super Eight stage. Captain Rovman Powell praised Rutherford, saying, “That innings gave us confidence and belief. We watched what they did well and tried to replicate it.”
The victory marked West Indies’ third consecutive win, reviving their campaign after early exits in previous editions. As locals in Trinidad celebrated the late-night win, the West Indies’ journey in the T20 World Cup continued with renewed optimism.
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