West Indies skipper Rovman Powell praised Sherfane Rutherford’s match-winning performance against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2024, describing it as “fantastic.” Rutherford earned the Player of the Match title with an unbeaten 68-run knock from 39 balls, boasting a strike rate of 174.36, including 2 fours and 6 sixes.
Reflecting on the game, Powell highlighted the boost Rutherford’s innings gave the team during the innings break. “Sherfane’s innings was fantastic and gave us confidence during the innings break. What the New Zealand bowlers tried to do well we tried to replicate. At the halfway mark we sat down and discussed trying to hit a hard length and our spinners to spin the ball. We have got to use what we have, we don’t have fast bowlers like New Zealand. Credit to them (spinners) even with a wet ball, they did well. Such a brilliant night and someone had to stand up and be counted,” Powell said.
In the match recap, Rutherford’s remarkable 68* runs off 39 balls propelled the West Indies to a total of 149/9 in the first innings. Nicholas Pooran contributed with a quick 17 runs from 12 balls, helping to add crucial runs to the scoreboard. On the bowling front, Trent Boult led New Zealand’s attack with three wickets, while Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson each took two wickets.
During the run chase, New Zealand‘s batters struggled against the West Indies’ bowling attack, ultimately falling short by 13 runs despite a valiant effort. Glenn Phillips was the standout batter for the Kiwis, scoring 40 runs off 33 balls. Alzarri Joseph spearheaded the Caribbean bowling, claiming four wickets, with Gudakesh Motie supporting with three wickets in his spell. Sherfane Rutherford was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his stellar performance.
