Welcome to theWest Indies vs New Zealand Highlights of match 26 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad on Thursday, June 13. West Indies pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory, beating New Zealand by 13 runs. Sherfane Rutherford’s heroic 68 not out off 39 balls was crucial in rescuing the Windies innings, which was then superbly defended by their bowlers. This win, West Indies’ seventh consecutive T20I victory, guaranteed them a place in the Super 8 stage. New Zealand, with their second consecutive loss, are now on the brink of elimination, relying on other results to have any chance of progressing. Here are the match highlights.

Squads

West Indies: Rovman Powell (c), Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Obed McCoy, Shamar Joseph, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, James Neesham, Rachin Ravindra.

Weather and Pitch Report

Tarouba had a significant amount of rain yesterday, but today’s forecast was pleasant with temperatures in the late 20s (°C). The Brian Lara Stadium, hosting its first match of the tournament proper, is traditionally not a high-scoring ground with an average first-innings total of 167. The rain from the previous day suggested a potentially low-scoring encounter.

Toss Update

New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl first. Here are the playing XIs:

West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

Match Highlights

West Indies Innings:

• Trent Boult Strikes Early: Boult made an immediate impact, dismissing Johnson Charles in the first over.
• Pooran Fires Briefly: Nicholas Pooran came out aggressively but was soon dismissed by Tim Southee after a quick start.
• Top-Order Collapse: West Indies were reeling at 30 for 5 inside 7 overs due to disciplined New Zealand bowling.
• Rutherford’s Rescue Act: Sherfane Rutherford played a sensational knock, remaining unbeaten on 68 off 39 balls, helping West Indies reach a defendable total of 149.
• Boult’s Bowling Masterclass: Boult ended with impressive figures of 3 for 16, playing a key role in restricting West Indies.

New Zealand Innings:

• Hosein’s Early Breakthrough: Akeal Hosein dismissed Devon Conway early, putting pressure on New Zealand from the start.
• Motie’s Magic: Gudakesh Motie claimed crucial wickets, including that of Kane Williamson, derailing the New Zealand chase.
• Phillips’ Lone Fight: Glenn Phillips tried to anchor the innings with a valiant 40 off 33 balls but lacked support.
• West Indies Bowlers Shine: Alzarri Joseph and Motie led the bowling attack, ensuring New Zealand fell short by 13 runs.

Post-Match Reactions

Player of the Match – Sherfane Rutherford: “I want to thank God for the opportunity. I was in the IPL for two months, so I was preparing, even though I was not playing. Keeping it simple and backing my skill – I think that was the key. It is one tick in the box, but it is only the start of something big to come. Hopefully, we can continue the momentum.”

Losing Captain – Kane Williamson: “We knew there were going to be some tough overs there. We tried to take the aggressive option to take wickets. The effort was there, and it’s important that we pick ourselves up and go again.”

Winning Captain – Rovman Powell: “From the outside, we told our guys someone will have to play a blinder. That innings from Rutherford gave us confidence and belief. We always believe individual brilliance is needed.”

Conclusion

West Indies showcased a stunning comeback, with a memorable knock from Sherfane Rutherford and an outstanding performance from their bowlers. This win secured their place in the Super 8 stage. New Zealand, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to stay in the tournament.