Captains Kane Williamson and Rovman Powell were in agreement that Sherfane Rutherford was the difference in West Indies' 13-run victory over New Zealand. (As It Happened | Scorecard | Full Coverage)
Rutherford hit an unbeaten 68 ofꦿf 39 balls for the co-hosts as the Windies secured a 13-run victory over their opponents to reach the Super-8 stage at the T20 Wor﷽ld Cup.
The 25-year-old came to the crease with West Indies 22-4 inside the powerplay, and responded with a ꧑🍃career-best effort that repaired the early damage, including hitting 37 runs from the final two overs to secure the win.
"We told the guys that somebody has to play a blinder," Powell said a🌟fter the match. "It wasn't going to be an easy wicket because of the inclement weather.
"We always believe that individual brilliance in T20 cricket is needed some 🐓time and Sherfane's innings was a fantastic knock. It gave us confidence and at the halfway mark, we believed [we could win]."
The result sees New Zealand on the brink of 💃elimination from the tournament following their 84-run defeat to Afghanistan in their opening group fixture, with Williamson admitt♏ing his side were beaten by a beautifully timed innings by Rutherford.
"The margins in the match are fine and in con✤ditions like that, two or three balls where the match-up suits, that can be the difference," Williamson said at his post-match press conference.
"We saw a fantastic knock from Rutherford and𝓡 he certainly timed it beautifully and got his match-up. I think at the end of the day, that was the difference."
