Cricket fraternity reacts as Sherfane Rutherford, bowlers take West Indies to Super 8 with 13-run win over New Zealand

West Indies became the first team to qualify for the Super 8 stage from Group C.

Sherfane Rutherford's swashbuckling knock, followed by a four-wicket haul from Alzarri Joseph powered West Indies to 13-run victory over New Zealand in their Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Trinidad on Thursday (June 13).

Chasing 150 to win, the Kiwis lost wickets in a quick succession and were restricted to 136/9 in 20 overs. Glenn Phillips was the top-scorer with 40 off 33 balls.

Joseph claimed four wickets (4/19 in 4 overs) for the hosts while Gudakesh Motie returned with three scalps (3/25 in 4 overs). Apart from them, Akeal Hosein (1/21 in 4 overs) also picked up a wicket.

Earlier in the match, Rutherford played a whirlwind knock of 68* off 39 balls and propelled the West Indies to 149/9.

With three wins in a row, West Indies became the first team to qualify for the Super 8 stage from Group C while New Zealand's hopes now hang by the slimmest of threads.

The members of the cricket fraternity lauded Sherfane Rutherford and the Caribbean bowlers on social media for their match-winning exploits against New Zealand.

Here are the reactions: