I would put it as my best knock: Sherfane Rutherford

Sherfane Rutherford played a match-winning knock against New Zealand in Trinidad on June 12 (Wednesday) to take West Indies through to the Super Eights. The southpaw came into bat in the powerplay and batted right till the end, finishing with an unbeaten 68 off just 39 balls to set up a 13-run win for his side.

Rutherford labels it as the best knock he has played.

"I would put it as my best knock. It's a World Cup, this is my dream. I always wanted to play World Cup, I always want to perform in World Cup and I think this one's going to stay close to my heart and hopefully I can continue to take out good innings like this for my team and for myself," Rutherford said at the post-match press conference.

West Indies looked down and out at 49/5 at the end of 10 overs. During the drinks break, Rutherford reveals that head coach Daren Sammy had instructed him to bat as deep as possible, which would give the side a formidable total.

"He was just telling me to take it deep. I was batting with Akeal [Hosein]. So, I told Akeal to keep going. But my role was basically to take it to the 15th, 16th over. But then after we lose wickets, I just tell myself, I'm going to try and take it to the 20th over and try and maximise the last two overs which they had to make up with two bowlers," Rutherford said.

West Indies' batting has been a tad shaky in the tournament. They chased down 137 against Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their first game with just one over to spare and it required a special effort from from Rutherford against New Zealand to get over the line. Is that a concern for the team?

"Definitely not. We have been playing good cricket. There are good days and bad days and one thing I learned that a team that's going to win any tournament, going to be different players stepping up on each time. And I think for the past three games, it have been three different players. So, I'm not concerned because that's what champion team do," Rutherford said. 

"I was at the IPL and I observed a lot of things. And that was one of the key that stick with me. And it's just for us to keep building on our strength and keep improving our game and I think that's going to be the key for us."

With qualification to the next round secured, West Indies end the first round of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Afghanistan on June 17 (Monday) in St Lucia.

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.