West Indies storm to top of Group C after 30-run thrashing, leaving England reeling in third
MUMBAI – Sherfane Rutherford smashed an unbeaten 76 off 42 balls, clubbing seven sixes, as West Indies overpowered England by 30 runs in a commanding T20 World Cup Group C display at Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie then delivered the knockout blow, claiming 3-33 as England were strangled by spin and bundled out for 166 with an over to spare.
The victory is West Indies’ second consecutive win, propelling the twice champions to the top of the group. England slip to third behind Scotland after their first defeat of the tournament.
Rutherford Rises from Early Ruin
Put in to bat, West Indies lurched to 17-2 inside two overs after Reece Topley and Jofra Archer removed both openers in the first seven deliveries.
Shimron Hetmyer (23) and Roston Chase (34) patched the innings, but it was Rutherford who transformed its trajectory. Walking in at 57-3, the left-hander tore into England’s attack with clean, towering striking.
He found an ideal partner in Jason Holder, who smashed four sixes in a 17-ball 33. The pair plundered 61 runs off 34 balls for the fifth wicket, propelling West Indies to a imposing 196-6.
“Trust my process,” Rutherford said. “When I play with a clear mind, I can score runs at the end. Maybe we were 10 runs short given England’s batting, but the guys bowled brilliantly.”
Adil Rashid was England’s sole bright spot, conceding just 16 runs in his four overs and removing Chase and Rovman Powell.
Spin Choke Chokes England
England’s reply began with intent. Phil Salt cracked 30 off 17 before falling to Akeal Hosein, and Jos Buttler looked settled on 21. But Chase removed the former captain, and then Motie seized control.
Motie trapped Will Jacks lbw for eight and had England captain Harry Brook caught and bowled for 29. Brook had curbed his natural aggression, but the West Indian spinners would not be denied.
Liam Livingstone fell to a stunning running catch from Hetmyer. The asking rate ballooned. Sam Curran fought alone, striking an unbeaten 43 off 27, but found no sustained support.
Brook conceded the chase was tougher than expected.
“We thought it was chaseable, but it didn’t dew up as much as we expected and didn’t skid onto the bat,” he said. “West Indies played outstanding.”
What It Means
West Indies’ spin-heavy formula is looking increasingly potent on subcontinental tracks. England, meanwhile, face a must-win clash against Scotland to avoid an early group-stage exit.
