In a thrilling encounter at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad, the West Indies secured a hard-fought 13-run victory over New Zealand to book their place in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Batting first, the West Indies were in a spot of bother at 30/5 before Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 68 off 39 balls propelled them to a competitive total of 149/9. Rutherford's knock included five fours and four sixes, and he was well supported by Romario Shepherd (14 off 13 balls) and Akeal Hosein (13 off 13 balls).
In reply, New Zealand got off to a steady start with openers Devon Conway (5 off 8 balls) and Finn Allen (26 off 23 balls) putting on 20 runs for the first wicket. However, the West Indies bowlers struck at regular intervals to keep the Kiwis in check.
Alzarri Joseph was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, finishing with figures of 4/27 from his four overs. Romario Shepherd (2/29) and Akeal Hosein (1/21) also chipped in with crucial wickets.
Glenn Phillips (40 off 33 balls) and James Neesham (10 off 11 balls) put up a fight, but in the end, it was not enough as New Zealand fell short by 13 runs.
"We knew someone would have to play a blinder because we knew it wouldn't be an easy wicket because of the inclement weather that we've had," said West Indies captain Rovman Powell after the match.
"At the half way mark we sat down as a group and said about our pacers hitting a hard length and our spinners trying to spin the ball. We had an inkling it was going to be quite tough and that proved to be the case."
The win sees the West Indies join India, Australia, and South Africa in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.
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