Rutherfords Blitz Powers West Indies to 30-Run Win Over England

West Indies registered a dominant 30-run victory over England in their Group C clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. An unbeaten 76 from Sherfane Rutherford, along with disciplined spin bowling, ensured the Caribbean side’s win.

After winning the toss, England captain Harry Brook opted to field first. Jofra Archer and Sam Curran struck early to remove openers Shai Hope and Brandon King within the opening overs.

However, Shimron Hetmyer (23) and Roston Chase (34) rebuilt the innings with a 47-run partnership off 28 balls, helping the team recover from early pressure. Despite regular wickets falling, Rutherford held the innings together. After taking his time early on, he unleashed a fierce assault, smashing an unbeaten 76 off seven sixes and two fours.

Rutherford built crucial partnerships, adding 51 runs for the fifth wicket with Rovman Powell and 61 runs for the sixth wicket with Jason Holder. Holder accelerated towards the end, scoring 33 off just 17 balls. He particularly targeted Sam Curran, smashing three massive sixes in one over. West Indies collected 54 runs in the last four overs to finish on 196/6.

For England, Adil Rashid claimed 2 wickets for 21 runs in his four overs, while Jamie Overton also picked up two wickets.

Chasing 197, Phil Salt gave England a blazing start, smashing 24 runs in one over off Holder. However, Romario Shepherd quickly dismissed Salt to bring West Indies back into the contest. Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler then powered England to 67/1 in the powerplay — the second-highest powerplay total of the tournament.

The match turned in the middle overs as Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie struck in successive overs, dismissing Buttler and Tom Banton. Motie finished with impressive figures of 3/33, denting England’s hopes, while Chase picked up his second wicket to pile pressure on the batting side.

Sam Curran attempted to fight back late in the innings, but regular wickets at the other end and two run-outs derailed England’s chase. Failing to reach the target in 20 overs, Brook’s side eventually suffered a 30-run defeat.