Rutherford's Blazing 76 Leads West Indies to Thrilling Win Over England

Gudakesh Motie spins West Indies to victory over England

West Indies beat England by 30 runs in T20 World Cup, thanks to Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 76 and Gudakesh Motie's 3-33.

“So it was important for me to just have a clear mind and just play with more intent...”

West Indies' spinners, led by Gudakesh Motie, were the stars of the show as they defeated England by 30 runs in their T20 World Cup match in Mumbai. Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 76, featuring 7 sixes, and Jason Holder's late hitting propelled West Indies to 196-6. In response, England's middle order crumbled, and they were all out for 166 in 19 overs, with Motie taking 3 wickets.

West Indies' victory was built on Rutherford's explosive batting and the spinners' masterclass. Motie (3-33) and Roston Chase (2-29) restricted England's powerful batting lineup, while Adil Rashid's 2-16 wasn't enough to salvage the match for England. Rutherford credited his preparation and focus for his team's win, highlighting the importance of keeping Rashid out of the game.

England was off to a great start, but Gudakesh Motie's brilliant spell of 3-33 changed the game. He dismissed Tom Banton (2), Jacob Bethell (33), and captain Harry Brook (17), turning England's comfortable 85-2 in the eighth over to 131-5 in the 14th.

Motie's left-arm orthodox and wrist spin variations proved too much for England's middle order. Brook's departure in the 14th over marked a turning point, and England's chances of winning began to fade. 

Sam Curran's unbeaten 43 off 30 balls kept England in the hunt, but ultimately, they fell short. Gudakesh Motie's brilliant bowling earned West Indies a 30-run win, securing their second victory in two matches and putting them top of Group C in the T20 World Cup.

West Indies captain Shai Hope praised Motie's performance, highlighting his crucial role in their win.

England's chase got off to a blazing start, with Phil Salt smashing Jason Holder's first over for 24 runs, including two sixes and three fours, taking them to 31-0 off 12 balls. Salt's hot start was short-lived, as he fell for 30 in the fourth over, looping a catch to Sherfane Rutherford while trying to hit Romario Shepherd out of the park.

“He's one of the class bowlers that we've had for some time now,” said Hope.

A first defeat of the tournament for England as Brendon McCullum's side suffer a 30-run defeat to West Indies at the T20 World Cup 🚨 pic.twitter.com/dUdSTS1Q9D

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) February 11, 2026

“He's just shown his class once again on the world stage. He's brought something else to his game, and it's benefiting us a lot here in the middle overs.”

Rutherford Shines with Blistering 76

Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 76, featuring 7 sixes and 2 fours, led West Indies to a strong total of 196-6 against England in the T20 World Cup. He partnered Jason Holder (33, 4 sixes, 1 four) in a 61-run stand off 32 balls in the dying overs.

“Once I trust my process and read the situation, I think once I'm in, I can always score in the end,“ said Rutherford, who was named player of the match.

“So it was important for me to just have a clear mind and just play with more intent.”

Jofra Archer struggled again, conceding 48 runs off his 4 overs. Roston Chase and Shimron Hetmyer took advantage, with Chase hitting Will Jacks for 3 fours and Hetmyer smashing a massive six, making the fifth over a costly 19 runs.

Shimron Hetmyer, on 23, top-edged a shot to Sam Curran at fine leg, and Adil Rashid took his 400th T20 international wicket, trapping Roston Chase, on 34, as West Indies were 77-4 in the 10th over. However, Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford quickly turned the game around, putting on 50 runs off just 26 balls. Rutherford reached his fifty in 29 balls, hitting a four and a six off Jamie Overton. Adil Rashid was England's standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for just 16 runs in his 4 overs.