The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed a commanding Caribbean show at the Wankhede Stadium as West Indies defeated England by 30 runs in a high-scoring Group
C encounter on Tuesday (February 11).
Powered by a blistering half-century from Sherfane Rutherford and a clinical spin display led by Gudakesh Motie, the two-time champions defended 196 with authority to consolidate their position at the top of the group.
Rutherford Rescues and Rebuilds West Indies
Asked to bat first by England skipper Harry Brook, West Indies endured a shaky start. Jofra Archer and Sam Curran struck early, dismissing Shai Hope and Brandon King to leave the Caribbean side reeling at 8 for 2.
The recovery began with a measured partnership between Shimron Hetmyer (23) and Roston Chase (34). The duo absorbed pressure against the spin of Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson, rebuilding through calculated strokeplay in the middle overs.
The innings transformed dramatically when Rutherford took centre stage. The left-hander launched a breathtaking assault, hammering 76 off just 42 balls, laced with two fours and seven towering sixes. His fearless hitting in the death overs dismantled England's seamers and shifted the momentum irreversibly.
Supported by a powerful cameo from Jason Holder (33), Rutherford helped plunder 68 runs in the final five overs, lifting West Indies to an imposing 196 for 6. Rashid (2 for 16) and Jamie Overton (2 for 38) picked up wickets but struggled to contain the late surge.
Spin Web Chokes England
England's chase of 197 began explosively as Phil Salt smashed 24 runs in the opening over, briefly putting the West Indies under pressure. However, the introduction of spin turned the contest decisively.
Motie struck immediately, dismissing Salt before removing Tom Banton and Jacob Bethell in quick succession. His variations and accuracy proved too much for England's middle order.
Chase complemented him perfectly, trapping Will Jacks and claiming the prized wicket of Jos Buttler. The dismissals left England struggling to keep pace with the mounting required rate.
Brook attempted to anchor the innings but fell to Motie, who finished with figures of 3 for 24. As the asking rate soared beyond 15 an over, England's lower order collapsed under pressure. Curran remained unbeaten on 23, but wickets tumbled at the other end as England were bowled out for 166 in 19 overs.
Alongside Motie and Chase, Akeal Hosein played a crucial containing role, as the spin trio collectively strangled the run flow and dismantled England's resistance.
Commanding Statement from the Caribbean
The 30-run victory underlined West Indies' all-round strength, combining explosive batting with disciplined spin bowling. With momentum firmly on their side, they sit comfortably atop Group C, while England will need to regroup quickly to keep their campaign on track.
