WI vs ENG: England beaten by 30 runs as Motie shines, Rutherford’s 76 seals the deal

ISLAMABAD: In a high-octane T20 World Cup clash tonight, West Indies showcased their all-round strength, defeating England by 30 runs in a thrilling contest. The spotlight fell on Gudakesh Motie, who wreaked havoc with the ball, and Sherfane Rutherford, whose unbeaten 76 laid the foundation for a challenging total.

Electing to bat first, the West Indies lost early wickets as Brandon King (1) and skipper Shai Hope (0) fell cheaply. But Rutherford rose to the occasion, playing a masterclass of aggressive T20 batting, smashing 7 sixes and 2 fours in his 42-ball unbeaten 76. He was ably supported by Jason Holder (33 off 17) and Rovman Powell (14 off 13), pushing West Indies to 196-6 in 20 overs. Extras from England, including 14 runs, further boosted the total, leaving England a tough chase of 197.

England began their innings with intent, with Phil Salt blazing 30 off 14 balls and Jos Buttler adding 21. Jacob Bethell’s 33 and Sam Curran’s 43 off 30 balls provided brief resistance, but England never built the partnerships needed to chase down the target.

The game turned in the West Indies’ favour thanks to Motie’s exceptional bowling, claiming 3 wickets for 33 runs, including the scalps of Bethell, Banton, and Brook. Tight support from Roston Chase (2/29), Shamar Joseph (1/30), and Akeal Hosein (1/32) kept England under constant pressure. Run-outs of Jofra Archer and Liam Dawson further derailed the chase, and England were eventually bowled out for 166 in 19 overs.

West Indies’ combination of explosive batting and clinical bowling underscores their T20 prowess, giving them a second consecutive win after beating Scotland in their opener. England, meanwhile, must regroup quickly after suffering their first loss of the tournament.

Motie and Rutherford, the duo that made the difference tonight, proved once again why the West Indies remain a formidable T20 side.