Win Projections to be updated soon
On Thursday, June 13, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, the West Indies defeated New Zealand by 13 runs, resulting in their second straight loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
On a hot pitch, Kane Williamson, who had won the toss, decided to field first. In just the first seven overs, the New Zealand seamers dismissed half of the West Indies team for just thirty runs, causing chaos throughout the powerplay. Their lower-order hitters contributed some vital runs under duress, even if things were dire for the co-hosts of the major event. Sherfane Rutherford, in particular, batted calmly and deep into the innings while keeping the seasoned Shimron Hetmyer on the sidelines.
After New Zealand bowled out their top pacers in the first eighteen overs, Rutherford punished them. Rutherford hit four sixes and two fours against Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell in the final two overs bowled by the Blackcaps, which resulted in 37 runs. After combining 37 off 13 deliveries with Gudakesh Motie for the tenth wicket, the southpaw ultimately concluded on 68* off 39 balls. With statistics of 3/16 in his four overs, Trent Boult was the best bowler from New Zealand. After 20 overs, the reigning champions were at 149/9.
As a result of Devon Conway’s repeated poor performance at bat, New Zealand lost him for little money. Finn Allen scored a 23-ball 26 and was removed after using some attacking shots. Rachin Ravindra, Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell were all out of the game before they could get going thanks to a superb spell bowled by Gudakesh Motie. A lone hand was played by Glenn Phillips, who scored 40 from 33 balls. But his dismissal in the eighteenth over put a stop to New Zealand’s hopes of victory. With three sixes in the final over, Santner narrowed the margin of defeat and the 2022 World Cup semifinalists finished at 136/9. After four overs, Alzarri Joseph finished with 4/19.
This defeat has significantly damaged New Zealand’s chances of making it to the main event’s Super Eight stage. In as many games, they have suffered two losses. The West Indies, meanwhile, emerged from Group C as the first team to qualify.
Sherfane Rutherford, Player of the Match:
I want to thank God for the opportunity. (On scoring 68 and his jersey number also being 68) I am going to keep 68 close to my heart. (On his preparation for the tournament) I was in the IPL for two months, so I was preparing, even though I was not playing. I did a lot of work and did my planning. Keeping it simple and backing my skill – I think that was the key. (On his thought process tonight) I was just telling myself to take it deep
Me and Sammy had a talk and I knew if we got momentum, I could make it up in the end. Looking at their bowling line-up, I knew they were short of two overs. I knew they had to make up those overs and I wanted to maximise it. (On making the Super Eight) It is one tick in the box, but it is only the start of something big to come. Hopefully we can continue the momentum.
Kane Williamson, losing captain:
(On their powerplay bowling) It was good. We had an inkling that it was going to be tricky if you hit an area, and that proved to be the case. On these surfaces, you have to find a way and an over or two can be the difference. The quality of Sherfane’s innings was high. The batting depth in their side was beneficial for sure. We knew there were going to be some tough overs there.
We tried to take the aggressive option to take wickets. (On Santner’s ability to bowl to left-handers) We know that and we have full trust in that. We saw how tricky it was when you hit the wicket and we were certainly trying to execute as well as we could. The margins are small, 2-3 balls here and there, and the score can get up high. (On their lack of preparation) You get the prep that you get and you do as well as you can. You have to get your head around the conditions.
We cannot make excuses and have to find ways. We need to bounce back quickly. We are back on in a couple of days and we want to see better and smarter performances. The effort was there, and important that we pick ourselves up and go again.
Rovman Powell, winning captain:
Very happy (with the performance). From the outside, we told our guys someone will have to play a blinder (because of how the pitch could be due to inclement weather) We always believe individual brilliance is needed. That (Rutherford) innings gave us confidence and belief. We watched what they did well and tried to replicate it. Hard length was difficult (to get away).
We sat down as a bowling length and decided to hit a hard length, with the spinners trying to spin the ball. (On bowling the spinners early) You have to use what you have. We don’t have as many fast bowlers as NZ. We have three spinners, so have to push them as much as I can. (On the crowd support) It was fantastic. I was sitting there with Nicholas and it was such a beautiful night for someone to stand up and be counted. Unfortunate some of our batters could not but glad to get the win.
India
