The West Indies clinched their place in the Super 8 stages of the 2024 T20 World Cup by defeating New Zealand in front of a full house in Trinidad. Despite struggling for most of their innings, Sherfane Rutherford's brilliant performance guided the team to a competitive score of 149. New Zealand, already feeling the pressure, couldn't match up and fell short by 13 runs.
Turning Point: Rutherford's Late-Game Heroics
The West Indies found their winning edge in the final overs of their innings. With the match seemingly slipping away, Rutherford unleashed a flurry of sixes in the dying overs, bringing the West Indies back into contention. His unbeaten 68 stood out as the key difference between the teams, with no other batter on either side reaching even half his score, except Glenn Phillips.
West Indies Innings Breakdown
Powerplay Struggles:
- Phase Score: 23/4 (RR: 5.75, 4s/6s: 3/0)
- Trent Boult set the tone by clean-bowling Johnson Charles in the very first over. Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell's attempts to counter-attack were thwarted by Tim Southee, who dismissed both. Roston Chase also fell victim to Lockie Ferguson, leaving the West Indies reeling early on.
Middle Overs Control:
- Phase Score: 68/3 (RR: 7.55, 4s/6s - 2/5)
- James Neesham's return to the New Zealand lineup paid off as he reduced the West Indies to 30/5. Despite Akeal Hosein’s effort to break free with a six, the halfway mark saw them struggling at 49 runs. Even Andre Russell's brief burst couldn't provide much relief as Boult returned to claim his wicket. Rutherford began hitting sixes, but the West Indies still required a strong finish to post a decent total.
Death Overs Domination:
- Phase Score: 58/2 (RR: 11.6, 4s/6s - 3/5)
- From a dire 30/5, Rutherford’s explosive batting pushed the West Indies to a challenging target of 150. He took charge in the final overs, smashing boundaries and putting pressure on the weaker bowlers. With Boult, Southee, and Ferguson having completed their overs early, Rutherford pounced on Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner, scoring 37 runs off them.
New Zealand Innings Breakdown
Powerplay: Stuttering Start
- Phase Score: 36/2 (RR: 6, 4s/6s - 3/1)
- Compared to the West Indies' disastrous start, New Zealand managed a slightly better beginning. Finn Allen hit a four and a six, but Devon Conway's attempt to sweep on an uneven pitch led to his dismissal. Alzarri Joseph’s short ball then claimed Allen, causing relief among the home supporters.
Middle Overs Collapse:
- Phase Score: 49/3 (RR: 5.44, 4s/6s - 1/2)
- Gudakesh Motie’s post-powerplay spell devastated New Zealand. He dismissed Kane Williamson with an edge, Rachin Ravindra with a catch in the deep, and then bowled Daryl Mitchell with a turning delivery, leaving New Zealand at 63/5 and their hopes fading.
Death Overs: Not Enough Firepower
- Phase Score: 51/4 (RR: 10.2, 4s/6s - 3/5)
- In the final overs, New Zealand needed a performance akin to Rutherford's to have any chance. Phillips was their best hope, but Neesham’s early dismissal in the 16th over hampered their chase. Phillips managed a few boundaries off Russell and Joseph, but they were always behind the required rate. Joseph sealed the win by taking two wickets in quick succession, including Phillips. Needing 33 runs in the final over, Santner briefly revived hope with two sixes, but Romario Shepherd managed to control the damage, securing a win for the West Indies.
Match Summary
- West Indies: 149/9 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 68*; Trent Boult 3/16, Tim Southee 2/21)
- New Zealand: 136/9 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 40; Alzarri Joseph 4/19)
- West Indies won by 13 runs
What's Next?
New Zealand will return to this venue for their next game against Uganda, aiming to secure victories against Uganda and PNG in their final group matches. However, their fate largely hinges on Afghanistan's match against PNG; a win for Afghanistan would eliminate New Zealand. The West Indies will face Afghanistan in their final group game, already secured of their spot in the Super 8.