June 13th 2024.
In a thrilling T20 World Cup match in Tarouba, West Indies secured a spot in the Super Eight stage with a 13-run victory over New Zealand. It was an intense virtual knockout game as both teams fought for survival in Group C.
West Indies, who were put to bat first by New Zealand, found themselves in trouble at 76 for 7 in just 12.3 overs. However, Sherfane Rutherford had other plans as he played the innings of his life, smashing a career-best unbeaten half-century. He hit six massive sixes and two fours in his 39-ball 68, taking his team's score to 149 for 9.
In response, New Zealand struggled against the West Indies bowlers, with Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph leading the charge. Motie, a fellow Guyanese, was in top form as he took three crucial wickets for just 25 runs. Joseph, on the other hand, was the wrecker-in-chief with his impressive figures of 4/19.
With this win, West Indies secured their third consecutive victory in the tournament and qualified for the Super Eight stage. On the other hand, New Zealand's hopes were dashed after back-to-back losses, including a humiliating defeat against Afghanistan.
New Zealand, known for their consistency in World Cups, have been struggling in this edition. They reached the semi-finals in the past three ODI World Cups and the last-four stage in the last three T20 World Cups. However, things have not gone their way this time as they failed to make an impact in the group stage.
Despite the late night hour, the Trinidad locals erupted in joy as their team secured a spot in the Super Eight stage, erasing the disappointment of their previous performances in the tournament. West Indies were eliminated in the Super-12 stage in 2021 and failed to qualify for the tournament proper in 2022.
West Indies captain Rovman Powell was delighted with the team's performance, especially Rutherford's remarkable innings. He praised his teammate for stepping up when it mattered the most and mentioned that it gave them the confidence and belief to win the game. Rutherford himself was thrilled with his half-century and hoped to continue the momentum in the upcoming matches.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson made three changes to the team after their loss against Afghanistan. The Kiwis started off well, with Trent Boult dismissing Johnson Charles in the first over. However, Nicholas Pooran and Roston Chase's quick dismissals put New Zealand in a dominant position. They continued to take wickets at regular intervals, and by the end of the powerplay, West Indies were struggling at 23/4.
But Rutherford had other plans as he played a mature and calculated innings, scoring five fours and two sixes in the final five overs. He scored 37 runs in the partnership with Motie, which became the highest 10th wicket stand in ICC T20 World Cup history.
In response, New Zealand lost both their openers, Devon Conway and Finn Allen, in the powerplay. Motie then took charge with his spin bowling, bamboozling the Kiwi batters and taking crucial wickets. Joseph joined in with his fiery pace and took four wickets, restricting New Zealand to 136 for 9.
Despite a valiant effort by Mitchell Santner, who scored three sixes in the final over, New Zealand fell short of the target by 13 runs. It was a thrilling game that ended in West Indies' favor, securing their spot in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup.
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