West Indies stamped their authority in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by securing a spot in the Super Eight stage with a nail-biting 13-run victory over New Zealand at the Brain Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago. The match was defined by Sherfane Rutherford‘s explosive innings of 68 runs, supported by stellar bowling performances from Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph, who dismantled the Blackcaps batting lineup to seal the crucial win.
Nicholas Pooran surpasses Chris Gayle milestone
In a historic moment for West Indies cricket, Nicholas Pooran etched his name in the annals by surpassing the legendary Chris Gayle as the leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals for the West Indies. Pooran, batting at No.3, approached the crease just two runs shy of surpassing Gayle’s T20I run tally, 1899 runs, for the West Indies. He achieved this milestone with a streaky boundary off Trent Boult, but his stay at the crease was brief.
Attempting to accelerate, Pooran aimed to dispatch a short-pitched delivery over the leg side boundary. However, his timing faltered, resulting in a mishit that Devon Conway comfortably pouched. This dismissal left the West Indies struggling at 20/2 after 3.5 overs. Although the side recovered well eventually.
Pooran’s innings, comprising 17 runs off 12 balls with three boundaries, highlighted his aggressive intent despite the outcome. With 1914 runs overall in 91 T20Is at an average of 25.52, Pooran is on track to become the first West Indies batter to achieve 2000 T20I runs.
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Legacy and impact
Chris Gayle accumulated 1,899 runs from 79 T20Is representing the West Indies, maintaining an average of 27.92 with a strike rate of 137.50. During his T20I career, he scored two centuries and 14 half-centuries, with his highest individual score being 117. Known for his explosive batting and charismatic presence on the field, Gayle continues to inspire cricketers worldwide despite his absence from competitive cricket.
Currently, Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, holds the record for the highest runs in T20I cricket. He has scored a total of 4,113 runs at an impressive average of 40.72 and a strike rate of 129.46. Babar has achieved three centuries and 36 half-centuries in T20Is, with his highest score being 122.
Key moments in the West Indies vs New Zealand encounter
The clash between West Indies and New Zealand showcased thrilling moments, encapsulated by Rutherford’s match-defining innings of 68 runs. After a rocky start that saw West Indies reeling at 30/5, Rutherford’s explosive knock, studded with two fours and six sixes, steered his team to a competitive total of 149/9 in their allotted 20 overs. New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Trent Boult (3/16), Tim Southee (2/21), and Lockie Ferguson (2/27), posed significant challenges, yet it was West Indies’ collective effort with the ball ultimately that secured their path to the Super Eight stage of the tournament.
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