Rutherford Fifty, Motie’s Spin Lead West Indies to 30-Run Win Over England

West Indies produced a commanding all-round performance to secure a 30-run victory over England under the lights at the Wankhede Stadium, with Sherfane Rutherford’s composed half-century and Gudakesh Motie’s decisive spell of left-arm spin proving the difference.

In a contest billed as a throwback to their T20 glory days, West Indies embraced the occasion, delivering with both bat and ball to register their second straight win. Despite several moments when England appeared in control, the Caribbean side’s power-hitting and spin dominance turned the tide emphatically.

Rutherford Anchors, Holder Accelerates

Asked to bat first after losing the toss, West Indies stumbled early, slumping to 8 for 2 inside two overs. Jofra Archer struck in his opening over despite conceding seven wides, removing Shai Hope, before Sam Curran dismissed Brandon King soon after.

However, Shimron Hetmyer counterattacked, capitalising on a loose over from Will Jacks that went for 19 runs. England briefly regained control through Adil Rashid, who bounced back from a tough previous outing with a superb boundary-less spell of 2 for 16. His variations kept the middle overs tight and accounted for Roston Chase and Rovman Powell.

But Rutherford held firm. Dropped on 56 by Rashid, he punished England’s seamers in the death overs. Alongside Jason Holder, who smashed 33 off 17 balls with four sixes, Rutherford launched a late assault. The pair cleared the ropes at will, with West Indies ultimately striking 13 sixes in their innings. Rutherford sealed the total in style, hammering his seventh six over long-on in the final over.

Without Rashid’s control, England’s chase might have been steeper. Even so, the target proved beyond them.

Salt’s Blitz Fades

Phil Salt launched England’s reply in explosive fashion, tearing into Holder for 24 runs in one over during the powerplay. His 14-ball 30 propelled England to 67 for 1 in the first six overs, and with Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler contributing briskly, the chase appeared well on track.

But the introduction of spin changed everything.

Roston Chase removed Buttler for 21 with a clever change of pace, setting the stage for Motie’s decisive intervention. Bowling through the middle overs in dewy conditions, Motie found just enough grip to trouble England’s batters.

He dismissed Tom Banton and Bethell in quick succession, before claiming the crucial wicket of Harry Brook, who had been anchoring the innings. Motie finished with 3 for 33, while Chase’s tidy 2 for 29 reinforced the squeeze. Akeal Hosein also chipped in as England’s momentum evaporated.

Jofra Archer’s run-out — a direct hit from Holder — epitomised England’s fading resistance. Sam Curran battled to 43 not out, but with wickets tumbling around him, the chase stalled well short of the target.

Spin Strangle Seals It

England, who had edged past Nepal in their previous match and arrived on a run of 11 wins in 12 T20Is, were ultimately undone by West Indies’ disciplined spin partnership. Motie and Chase combined for five middle-overs wickets, steadily closing the walls around England’s aggressive lineup.

The victory reinforces West Indies’ resurgence in familiar World Cup territory, while England’s momentum takes a significant hit ahead of their upcoming clash with Scotland.

On a night rich with reminders of past triumphs, it was West Indies who delivered a performance worthy of their storied T20 legacy.