Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 76 powered West Indies to a commanding 30-run victory over England in a high-scoring T20 World Cup clash at Wankhede.
Sherfane Rutherford produced a match-winning knock as West Indies defeated England by 30 runs in the 15th Match of Group C at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on February 11.
Asked to bat first, West Indies posted a formidable 196/6 in their 20 overs, riding on Rutherford’s unbeaten 76 off 42 balls. The left-hander struck two fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 180.95, anchoring the innings after an early wobble. West Indies lost both openers cheaply, with Shai Hope and Brandon King dismissed inside the first two overs, slipping to 8/2.
Shimron Hetmyer counterattacked with a brisk 23 off 12 balls, while Roston Chase contributed a steady 34 off 29 deliveries. However, it was Rutherford who shifted gears in the middle and death overs.
He stitched a crucial 50-run stand with Rovman Powell and later added another rapid half-century partnership with Jason Holder, who smashed 33 off 17 balls, including four sixes. West Indies accelerated strongly at the back end, reaching 150 in 16.3 overs and finishing at 196/6.
For England, Adil Rashid was the standout bowler, returning 2 for 16 in his four overs. Jamie Overton also picked up two wickets, while Jofra Archer and Sam Curran claimed one each.
England Fall Under Pressure
In response, England began aggressively. Phil Salt blasted 30 off 14 balls, helping England to 67/1 in the powerplay. Jos Buttler (21) and Jacob Bethell (33) kept the chase on track, but regular wickets derailed the momentum. Gudakesh Motie turned the game in West Indies’ favour with figures of 3 for 33, removing Bethell, Tom Banton, and Harry Brook.
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Roston Chase played a key all-round role, taking 2 for 29, including the crucial wicket of Buttler. England slipped from 131/5 to 166 all out in 19 overs. Sam Curran fought till the end with an unbeaten 43 off 30 balls, but lacked support as wickets fell at regular intervals. Shamar Joseph and Akeal Hosein chipped in with one wicket each.
England needed 197 but were bowled out 31 runs short, handing West Indies a comprehensive 30-run victory. Rutherford was named Player of the Match for his explosive unbeaten 76, while Chase topped Cricinfo’s MVP chart for his impactful all-round display.
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