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MUMBAI: Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive unbeaten 76 anchored West Indies to a commanding 30-run victory over England in a Group C T20 World Cup clash at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, handing the Caribbean side two points and putting pressure on their opponents in the early tournament stages.
Rutherford’s 42-ball blitz, including seven sixes, powered West Indies to 196-6 after England elected to field first. Roston Chase’s measured 34 off 29 balls and Jason Holder’s quickfire 33 from 17 deliveries provided crucial support, helping the West Indies post a challenging total despite early setbacks.
England struggled against disciplined West Indies bowling, particularly Gudakesh Motie, who took 3-33, and Roston Chase, who removed key batsmen including Jos Buttler and Will Jacks. The English innings never recovered, finishing on 166 all out in 19 overs, with Motie and Shepherd combining to derail the chase.
The West Indies innings began poorly, losing captain Shai Hope and opener Brandon King in the first two overs. Shimron Hetmyer’s 23-ball 23 and Chase’s anchor role stabilized the innings, but it was Rutherford’s fiery assault in the middle and late overs that propelled the total close to 200. Extras, particularly 10 wides and four leg byes, also contributed to England’s mounting pressure.
England’s reply started briskly with Phil Salt striking 30 off 14 balls and Jacob Bethell making 33, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Motie’s three wickets, along with contributions from Chase and Hosein, kept England under 200. Even Sam Curran’s 43 not out off 30 balls could not prevent the collapse, as West Indies’ fielding and death bowling proved decisive.
With the victory, West Indies sit atop Group C after the first set of matches, while England face early questions over their ability to chase big totals in the tournament.
Summarised score:
West Indies 196/6 (20 ov) S Rutherford 76 (42), R Chase 34, J Holder 33; Motie 3/33, Rashid 2/16, England 166 all out (19 overs); S Curran 43, J Bethell 33, P Salt 30; Motie 3/33, Chase 2/29, Hosein 1/32;
Result: West Indies won by 30 runs
Player of the Match: Sherfane Rutherford (WI)
