T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies Qualify for Super 8, New Zealand on the Verge of Elimination
T20 World Cup 2024 : In a thrilling encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, the West Indies secured their place in the Super 8 stage with a 13-run victory over New Zealand. Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive knock and Alzarri Joseph’s impressive bowling performance were key to the Windies’ success. Meanwhile, New Zealand faces the threat of elimination after two consecutive defeats.
West Indies Triumphs with Rutherford’s Heroics
The West Indies overcame a shaky start to post a competitive total, thanks to a blistering innings from Sherfane Rutherford. Despite being reduced to 30/5 in the early stages, Rutherford’s unbeaten 68 off 39 balls, featuring six sixes and two fours, helped the Windies reach 149/9 in their 20 overs.
West Indies Innings Highlights
- Sherfane Rutherford: 68* off 39 balls
- Trent Boult: 3-16
- Tim Southee: 2-21
- Lockie Ferguson: 2-xx
New Zealand’s Struggles
In response, New Zealand’s batting lineup faltered. Early wickets and a lack of significant partnerships hampered their chase. Despite Glenn Phillips’ fighting 40 off 33 balls, New Zealand fell short, finishing at 136/9 in their allotted overs.
New Zealand Innings Highlights
- Glenn Phillips: 40 off 33 balls
- Finn Allen: 26 off 23 balls
- Alzarri Joseph: 4-19
- Gudakesh Motie: 3-25
Detailed Analysis
West Indies’ Innings
Early Collapse
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to field, a decision that initially paid off. Kiwi pacers, led by Trent Boult, dismantled the Windies top order, reducing them to a precarious 30/5 within 6.3 overs.
𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩: 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝟖! 💁🏻♂️
A comeback to remember in #WIvNZ and West Indies prove they’re a team to watch out for! 🔥
Next up, #BANvNED | TODAY, 6 PM | #T20WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/E4EZJ0zZXe
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 13, 2024
Rutherford’s Rescue Act
Sherfane Rutherford then took charge, playing a crucial knock that steadied the innings. He received brief support from lower-order batsmen Akeal Hosein (15), Andre Russell (14), Romario Shepherd (13), and Alzarri Joseph (6).
New Zealand’s Bowling Performance
Trent Boult was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, claiming three wickets for just 16 runs. Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson chipped in with two wickets each, but Rutherford’s resilience ensured a challenging target for New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Chase
Initial Setback
New Zealand’s chase got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Devon Conway for just 5 runs. Finn Allen provided some resistance with 26 off 23 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals, stalling their progress.
Middle Order Collapse
Captain Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra struggled, contributing only 1 and 10 runs, respectively. Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph kept the pressure on, with Joseph delivering crucial blows that included the key wickets of Glenn Phillips and James Neesham.
West Indies’ Bowling Dominance
Alzarri Joseph’s pace and precision earned him figures of 4-19, while Gudakesh Motie supported well with 3-25. Their efforts restricted New Zealand to 136/9, sealing a 13-run victory for the West Indies.
Post-Match Reflections
West Indies’ Outlook
With three consecutive wins in Group C, the West Indies will face Afghanistan in their final group stage match, having already secured a spot in the Super 8.
New Zealand’s Predicament
New Zealand, on the other hand, is on the brink of elimination and must win their remaining matches while relying on other results to progress.
Conclusion
T20 World Cup 2024 : The West Indies’ performance against New Zealand highlighted their resilience and depth, with key contributions from Sherfane Rutherford and Alzarri Joseph. As they move forward to the Super 8 stage, New Zealand must regroup quickly to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Brief Scores
- West Indies: 149/9 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 68*, Nicholas Pooran 17; Trent Boult 3-16, Tim Southee 2-21)
- New Zealand: 136/9 in 20 overs (Glenn Phillips 40, Finn Allen 26; Alzarri Joseph 4-19, Gudakesh Motie 3-25)
