END OF OVER:20 | 18 Runs | WI: 149/9 | RR: 7.45
- Sherfane Rutherford68 (39b)
- Gudakesh Motie0 (1b)
- Mitchell Santner2-0-27-1
- Daryl Mitchell1-0-19-0
10:18pm Sherfane Rutherford. That was what this innings was all about. He walked in when the West Indies were in strife. A few overs later, they were staring down the barrel but Rutherford kept calm. He milked the singles initially, chose his moments to attack and then unleashed at the end, ensuring the West Indies made 58 in their last five. He also stitched together a 37-run last-wicket stand, with every run coming off Rutherford's bat.
New Zealand will feel they missed an opportunity to bundle the two-time champions out for a paltry total. They had them 76-7 at one stage but could not quite capitalise. Williamson's usage of his bowlers also left a bit to be desired and they ended up bowling Mitchell in the 19th and Santner (a left-arm spinner) against Rutherford in the 20th.
Prior to that, the old guard, comprising Boult, Ferguson and Southee were exceptional. Boult was probably the pick of the bunch, scalping three vital wickets, including that of Russell. Neesham did his bit too, with the fifth bowler quota being the only dull spot in what was otherwise an accomplished bowling display.
149, viewed in isolation, may not seem much, but on this track, which has variable bounce and is pretty two-paced, could be a very good total. NZ will also have to dispel the doubts that shrouded their performance the other day and how they do that could be key in this run-chase. Join us in a bit.
Sherfane Rutherford: It was a good innings. Playing a World Cup match is a dream and that is what we live for. Happy to contribute. Very tough surface to bat on. My plan was to bat deep. I was just telling the bowlers that even if we just get singles now, it all adds up. 149 is a brilliant score on this wicket.
Shorter side is to Rutherford's leg side, and he will be hitting with the wind in that direction
NZ went into the raffle, and it did not quite pay off. They will now have to bowl spin in the last over. Santner tasked with the responsibility. Can Rutherford get WI up to 140, at least? Around the wicket to Rutherford
END OF OVER:19 | 19 Runs | WI: 131/9 | RR: 6.89
- Sherfane Rutherford50 (33b)
- Gudakesh Motie0 (1b)
- Daryl Mitchell1-0-19-0
- Trent Boult4-1-16-3
Surely Rutherford will attempt a single now to retain strike?
Rutherford might look for a single
Motie, for what it is worth, has a First-Class average a shade under 22 and has a First-Class hundred too, alongside two fifties. Mitchell to bowl the 19th
END OF OVER:18 | 5 Runs 1 Wkt | WI: 112/9 | RR: 6.22
- Gudakesh Motie0 (1b)
- Sherfane Rutherford31 (27b)
- Trent Boult4-1-16-3
- Lockie Ferguson4-0-27-2
Motie is the last batter in. Boult stays around the wicket
AS Joseph b Boult 6 (6m 6b 1x4 0x6) SR: 100.00
Around the wicket now
Boult to bowl out too. NZ taking a big gamble here
END OF OVER:17 | 4 Runs 1 Wkt | WI: 107/8 | RR: 6.29
- Sherfane Rutherford30 (26b)
- Alzarri Joseph2 (2b)
- Lockie Ferguson4-0-27-2
- James Neesham4-0-27-1
Joseph in at 10. He can hold his own with the bat
R Shepherd lbw b Ferguson 13 (19m 13b 0x4 1x6) SR: 100.00