West Indies captain Rovman Powell is very satisfied with team’s performance against New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

West Indies beat New Zealand by 13 runs on Thursday (13th June) to reach the Super Eight of ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Sherfane Rutherford's swashbuckling 68* off only 39 balls helped West Indies post 149 on the board after being reeling at 58-6. In reply, Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie ripped through Kiwi batting lineup to hand West Indies a brilliant 13-run victory.

West Indies were trembling at 112/9 after 18 overs. But Rutherford took 37 runs in the last two overs and gave West Indies a winning total of 149 runs. Powell says that that innings gave them the confidence and they carried on from that seeing the length New Zealand bowlers bowled on the surface.

“Very happy (with the performance). From the outside, we told our guys someone will have to play a blinder. We always believe individual brilliance is needed. That (Rutherford) innings gave us confidence and belief. We watched what they did well and tried to replicate it. Hard length was difficult (to get away). We sat down as a bowling length and decided to hit a hard length, with the spinners trying to spin the ball,” Powell said.

West Indies used 3 spinners in the first half of the New Zealand innings. Among the first 13 overs, 9 overs were bowled by the spinners. Powell also talks about the reason behind it. “You have to use what you have. We don't have as many fast bowlers as NZ. We have three spinners, so have to push them as much as I can,” Powell added.

New Zealand have played three matches till now and won all of them.