In a commanding display of power-hitting and strategic bowling, the West Indies cricket team secured a decisive 30-run victory over England in their ICC T20 World Cup clash at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 11. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in the tournament, positioning the Caribbean side one victory away from securing a Super 8 berth as they pursue their third T20 World Championship title.
The highly anticipated rematch of the 2016 final featured two undefeated squads, with England having previously overcome Nepal and the West Indies defeating Scotland. England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that initially appeared justified when Barbadian-born paceman Jofra Archer spectacularly dismissed West Indies skipper Shai Hope for a three-ball duck, followed quickly by Brandon King’s departure.
Despite early setbacks, the West Indies innings gained momentum through a crucial 47-run partnership between Shimron Hetmyer (23 off 12 balls) and Roston Chase. The team reached 55/3 by the end of the powerplay before Chase contributed a steady 33 runs. The innings’ defining moment arrived through Sherfane Rutherford’s spectacular display, hammering 76 runs off just 42 deliveries with two boundaries and seven massive sixes. His explosive performance, combined with Jason Holder’s blistering 33 off 17 balls in a 61-run partnership, propelled the West Indies to a formidable total of 196/6.
England responded aggressively in their chase, racing to 67/1 within the first six overs courtesy of Phil Salt’s 30 off 14 balls and Buttler’s 21 off 14. However, the West Indies spinners orchestrated a remarkable turnaround during the middle overs, with the duo of Roston Chase (2/29) and Gudakesh Motie (3/33) claiming five crucial wickets between them. Despite resilient resistance from Sam Curran (43 not out) and Jacob Bethel (33), England’s batting order crumbled under sustained pressure, complemented by exceptional fielding that sealed the Caribbean victory.
This statement win under coach Daren Sammy’s leadership demonstrates the West Indies’ serious championship intentions as the tournament progresses toward its knockout stages.