New Zealand facing elimination as West Indies power into Super 8s

The co-hosts deliver a polished performance leaving the Black Caps, the 2021 runners-up, in disarray in the Men's T20 World Cup

Nick Howson | 13/06/2024 at 05:15

Trinidad: West Indies 149-9, New Zealand 136-9 - West Indies won by 13 runs

West Indies marched into the Super 8s at the Men's T20 World Cup with a commanding victory over a New Zealand side now facing an early exit.

Rovman Powell's team recovered from a position of complete peril, reduced to 30 for 5 in the seventh over, to win by 13 runs in Trinidad.

Sherfane Rutherford was the hero with the bat, bringing a sense of calm to the innings before smashing six maximums on his way to 68 not from 39 balls.

The Kiwis had seized the initiative in this must-win encounter thanks to a vintage display from fast-bowling trident Trent Boult (3 for 16), Tim Southee (2 for 21) and Lockie Ferguson (2 for 27).

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^{Sherfne Rutherford rescued the co-hosts from a position of peril (Getty Images)}

But after being bowled out Rutherford went on the offensive, smashing 37 off the final 11 balls delivered by Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner to set New Zealand 150 to win.

The Black Caps, as hard-nosed as they come in international cricket, offered little resistance in the chase. Openers Devon Conway (5) and Finn Allen (26) were removed inside the powerplay and when captain Kane Williamson lasted just two deliveries before edging to Nicholas Pooran, the game looked to be up.

Glenn Phillips struck a counterattacking 40 in 33 balls but Alzarri Joseph (4 for 20) returned to seal a victory which had the gloss removed by some late fireworks from Santner (21 not out).

The results sees the Windies, seeking a record third title to accompany their 2012 and 2016 triumphs, join India and South Africa in the next phase.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will be knocked out with two games to spare if Afghanistan beat Papua New Guinea on Friday (June 14).