Rutherford’s Power-Hitting Lifts West Indies to 196/6 After Early Collapse Against England

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : Sherfane Rutherford produced a breathtaking display of power and composure to rescue West Indies from a precarious position and propel them to a formidable 196 for 6 against England in Match 15 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. His unbeaten 76 off 42 balls anchored a remarkable recovery after the two-time champions were rocked early by England’s pace attack.

On a surface with a faint green tinge and enough grip to keep bowlers interested, England skipper Harry Brook opted to field first, a decision that appeared justified within the opening exchanges. Jofra Archer and Sam Curran struck in quick succession, exploiting early movement and bounce to leave West Indies reeling at 8 for 2 in the second over.

Archer, despite beginning with three wides in a wayward opening over, found his rhythm swiftly. On the fifth delivery of his spell, he tempted West Indies captain Shai Hope with a short, wide ball. Hope obliged with a tentative drive, only to find Tom Banton at mid-off, departing for a three-ball duck. Curran then made an immediate impact, dismissing Brandon King off his very first delivery. King flashed hard at another short and wide ball, and Phil Salt completed a sharp diving catch near the deep point boundary.

With the scoreboard reading a worrying 8 for 2, West Indies needed stability. Roston Chase, brought into the side in place of Matthew Forde, and Shimron Hetmyer responded with a counterattacking stand that briefly shifted momentum. Hetmyer looked in an aggressive mood, dispatching Curran for a four and a six off successive deliveries, while Chase took a liking to Will Jacks, smashing three consecutive boundaries in the fifth over. Their 47-run partnership for the third wicket helped West Indies regain some balance and lift the run rate.

Just as the innings appeared to be settling, England struck back decisively. Jamie Overton, introduced in place of Luke Wood, used hard lengths and subtle variations to good effect. Hetmyer, frustrated by Overton’s discipline, miscued a slower delivery and offered a simple return catch to Curran, departing for a brisk 23 off 12 balls. Soon after, Adil Rashid delivered a crucial blow, trapping Chase lbw with a well-disguised googly. Chase’s 34 off 29 balls, featuring six boundaries, had provided much-needed resistance, but West Indies slipped to 77 for 4 at the halfway mark.

It was at this critical juncture that Sherfane Rutherford took command. Displaying a blend of patience and explosive power, Rutherford began rebuilding the innings before launching into a calculated assault. He first stitched together a 51-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Rovman Powell, who contributed a supporting 14. Rutherford reached his half-century in just 29 balls, peppering the stands with towering sixes off Archer, Jacks and Overton, and ensuring the West Indies kept pushing towards a competitive total.

Rutherford found an ideal partner in Jason Holder, and the duo produced a decisive 61-run stand for the sixth wicket. Holder, the seasoned all-rounder, played a crucial cameo, scoring 33 off 17 deliveries. He took on Curran with particular authority, smashing three sixes in a single over as West Indies plundered 20 runs in the 17th over. The onslaught shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the Caribbean side and left England’s bowlers scrambling for answers.

Holder eventually fell in the final over, caught at long-on off Overton after launching yet another six with a clean lofted drive. Rutherford, however, remained unstoppable. Having been dropped earlier by Rashid off his own bowling, he made England pay, striking Archer for a six and a four in the 18th over. He capped off the innings in style, launching Overton for a six off the final ball to push West Indies to a daunting 196 for 6.

England’s bowlers had moments of control, with Adil Rashid standing out as the most effective. His spell of 2 for 16 in four overs was both economical and incisive. Overton claimed two wickets for 33 runs, while Archer and Curran picked up one wicket apiece but proved expensive at the death.

From an early collapse to a powerful finish, West Indies’ innings was defined by Rutherford’s brilliance. His knock not only revived memories of the team’s fearless T20 legacy but also set the stage for a high-pressure chase, reminding England that West Indies remain a formidable force on the world stage.

Brief Scores:
West Indies 196/6 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 76*; Roston Chase 34, Jason Holder 33; Adil Rashid 2-16, Jamie Overton 2-33) vs England