**West Indies Surge Past Injury-Hit New Zealand in T20 World Cup Upset**
Key Takeaways:
- West Indies defeated New Zealand by 13 runs in a crucial T20 World Cup match.
- Key performances from Sherfane Rutherford and Alzarri Joseph led WI to victory.
- New Zealand’s campaign is in jeopardy after back-to-back losses.
Trinidad — The T20 World Cup Group C clash between NZ vs WI on June 12 drew major global attention as West Indies clinched a thrilling 13-run victory over a struggling, injury-affected New Zealand side, putting the Kiwis on the verge of early elimination.
Rutherford Heroics and Joseph’s Pace Power Victory
Sherfane Rutherford played a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls to rescue West Indies from a precarious position of 30 for 5 to a competitive 149 for 9. Late hitting and tactical batting in the final overs changed the momentum entirely.
The West Indies bowlers then backed up the performance, with Alzarri Joseph taking 4 wickets for 19 runs to dismantle New Zealand’s chase. The Caribbean side’s sharp fielding and disciplined bowling restricted the Kiwis to just 136 for 9.
New Zealand’s Struggles Under the Spotlight
Coming off a heavy defeat to Afghanistan, New Zealand entered the match with mounting pressure. Injuries to key players including potential unavailability of Finn Allen and Adam Milne have weakened their squad depth.
New Zealand’s top order collapsed again, with only Glenn Phillips offering resistance. Their lack of form in the powerplay and middle overs has become a glaring issue, prompting criticism over team selection and adaptability on slower Caribbean pitches.
Tournament Implications and What Comes Next
West Indies, now victorious in all their three group matches, are set to qualify for the Super Eight stage. Their resurgence, driven by younger players and backed by home conditions, has made them a dangerous contender.
In contrast, New Zealand faces elimination and must win their remaining group stage matches while also relying on other results. The last time New Zealand faced early exit in a T20 World Cup was in 2014, and the current campaign mirrors that struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is nz vs wi trending?
A: The West Indies defeated New Zealand in a key T20 World Cup match, putting New Zealand at risk of group-stage elimination.
Q: What happens next?
A: New Zealand must win their next match against Uganda on June 14 to stay in contention, while West Indies prepare for their final group game versus Afghanistan.
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