IPL 2024

Fans go gaga as Sherfane Rutherford, Gudakesh Motie lead West Indies to an emphatic win over England in T20 World Cup 2026

By Sandy Verma

The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai witnessed a Caribbean carnival on February 11, 2026, as the West Indies dismantled England by 30 runs in a high-stakes Group C encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. In a match defined by raw power and tactical spin, the Windies overcame a disastrous start to post a formidable 196/6, ultimately bowling England out for 166. The victory not only sent the Mumbai crowd into a frenzy but also signaled the West Indies’ intent to reclaim their throne as the kings of the shortest format.

Sherfane Rutherford’s brutal assault resurrects the West Indies against England

The game began like a nightmare for the Men in Maroon. By the second over, Jofra Archer and Sam Curran had removed Shai Hope and Brandon Kingleaving the Windies reeling at 8/2. However, the early tremors were merely the setup for a Sherfane Rutherford masterclass.

Rutherford, coming in with the score at 77/4, played an innings of sheer calculated aggression. While Roston Chase (34) and Shimron Hetmyer (23) provided the necessary stabilization, Rutherford provided the fireworks. He hammered an unbeaten 76 off just 42 deliveries, a knock decorated with 6 towering sixes and 9 boundaries.

His assault peaked during the death overs, where he dismantled England’s pace attack with surgical precision. Alongside Jason Holderwho chipped in with a vital 33 off 17, Rutherford powered the West Indies to a total of 196/6. The match flow shifted dramatically in the final five overs, as the Windies plundered runs at a rate exceeding 12 per over, leaving the English bowlers, particularly Will Jacks and Archer, searching for answers.

Gudakesh Motie’s spin web and disciplined bowling halt England in T20 World Cup 2026 game

Chasing 197, England started with the characteristic aggression of Phil Saltwho blazed 30 off 14 balls. At the end of the Powerplay, England sat comfortably at 67/1, looking well on track to chase down the target. However, the introduction of Gudakesh Motion completely flipped the script.

Motie, the left-arm orthodox maestro, proved to be the undoing of England’s middle order. He removed the dangerous Jacob Bethell (33) just as he was looking to anchor the chase, before dismissing Tom Banton and the English captain Harry Brook in quick succession. Motie’s spell of 3/33 acted as a stranglehold, drying up the boundaries and forcing errors.

While Sam Curran waged a lone battle with an unbeaten 43, the lack of support from the other end was glaring. Chase complemented Motie perfectly with 2/29removing the experienced If Buttler just as he threatened to cut loose. The discipline of the West Indies’ bowling unit was reflected in their ability to take wickets at regular intervals, preventing any significant partnerships from forming after the 10th over.

The match concluded in the 19th over when Shamar Joseph dismissed Adil Rashidsparking wild celebrations in the stands. With this 30-run victory, the West Indies have firmly established themselves as the team to beat in Group C.

Also READ: Fans react as Sherfane Rutherford runs riot against England in T20 World Cup 2026 clash

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