Brutal Rutherford powers WI B to Global T20 final

By Avenash Ramzan

In a brutal and destructive display Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford almost single-handedly powered West Indies B into the final of the Global T20 Canada, beating Vancouver Knights by six wickets in a high-scoring Qualifier One at King City.

Chasing 216, West Indies B slumped to 11-3 by the end of the third over, but Rutherford played a memorable innings, recording the competition’s first hundred, to lead the Caribbean side to victory at 221-4 off the final ball.

West Indies B lost Justin Greaves (1), Shemar Springer (0) and Brandon King (6) early, before Rutherford and fellow left-hander Nicholas Pooran put them back on course by adding 130 for the fourth wicket in just 11.2 overs.

Pooran contributed 44 off 28 (4x4s, 2x6s). Rutherford then dominated an unbroken fifth wicket partnership of 80 in a mere 5.5 overs with skipper Anthony Bramble to seal the win.

Rutherford was particularly severe on anything loose, blazing to 134 not out off 66 balls, pummeling 11 fours and 10 sixes. For context, Vancouver Knights bowling attack comprised T20 exponents Tim Southee, Andre Russell, Sheldon Cottrell and Steven Jacobs.

Bramble, who finished the match with a towering six, ended on 23 off 11 (2x6s).

Vancouver Knights earlier posted what seemed to be a winning total with Chadwick Walton hitting 54 off 24 (6x4s, 4x6s), Chris Gayle 50 off 44 (4x4s, 3x6s) and Russell 29 not out off 16 (1×4, 3x6s).

Rutherford picked up 2-25 and Jeremiah Louis 2-46.

West Indies B now await the winner of the Eliminator and Qualifier Two to know who their opponent would be for Sunday’s final, set to bowl off at 15:00h.