In a Group C match of the T20 World Cup in Trinidad, Sherfane Rutherford played a crucial role in the West Indies' victory over New Zealand.
Despite a shaky start, with the home side at 30 for five in the seventh over, Rutherford's unbeaten 68 off 39 balls helped them reach a competitive total of 149 for nine.
New Zealand, needing to win after their defeat to Afghanistan, struggled to gain momentum in their chase and were limited to 136 for nine.
Pacer Alzarri Joseph's impressive figures of 4 for 19, along with the contributions from spinners Gudakesh Motie (3 for 25) and Akeal Hosein (1 for 21), ensured that the home side remained in control throughout the match.
Their stellar performance led to their third consecutive victory and secured their spot in the Super Eight phase of the competition. Despite Glenn Phillips' notable innings of 40 off 33 balls, the West Indies' dominance was evident as Joseph dismissed him in the 18th over.
Mitchell Santner's late surge, including three sixes off Romario Shepherd in the final over, couldn't change the outcome of the match. Unfortunately, this defeat marks the end of New Zealand's chances of progressing to the next stage, unless they receive favorable results in other matches.
The Kiwis will face elimination if Afghanistan manages to defeat Papua New Guinea on Thursday. Reflecting on his success, Rutherford attributed it to his simple approach and confidence in his skills, expressing his gratitude for being awarded the 'Man of the Match' title.
Analyzing their bowling lineup, I was aware that they were lacking two overs. I made a mental note to stay until the end and capitalize on this opportunity...and I believe I accomplished just that.
Rutherford received crucial support from the lower order, contributing 28 runs alongside Akeal Hosein for the sixth wicket, 27 runs with Romario Shepherd for the eighth wicket, and then smashing all 37 runs in the final two overs of the innings. These overs were bowled by Daryl Mitchell and Santner, with Motie, the last man, contently observing from the non-striker's end.
Earlier, Trent Boult spearheaded New Zealand's remarkable improvement, finishing with impressive figures of three for 16. Lockie Ferguson and the recalled Tim Southee also played their part, taking two wickets each. The 2021 runners-up displayed a much sharper fielding performance compared to their match against the Afghans.
"We were aware that scoring runs on this pitch would be challenging, which is why Sherfane's innings was truly exceptional," acknowledged the opposing captain, Williamson.
"We made a decision to aim for bowling them out, but unfortunately, it didn't work out for us today."
Following victories against Papua New Guinea and Uganda at the Guyana National Stadium, the West Indies' batting performance appeared to be ill-prepared for the challenge. However, the situation took a turn when Rutherford stepped in and completely transformed what seemed to be an inevitable defeat.
West Indies captain Rovman Powell expressed his satisfaction with the team's resilience, stating, "It is commendable that despite encountering significant difficulties early on, the team showed great determination and managed to emerge victorious in this match."
Powell further revealed that the team received a message from the hotel, emphasizing the need for an exceptional performance. He added, "We firmly believe that individual brilliance is crucial in T20 cricket, and Sherfane's outstanding innings truly exemplified this. It instilled confidence within us, and by the halfway point, we genuinely believed that we could achieve victory."
