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Fans erupt as Sherfane Rutherford’s maiden ODI ton ends West Indies’ 11-game losing streak to Bangladesh

December 08, 2024
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Sherfane Rutherford

Sherfane Rutherford delivered a scintillating performance with the bat, smashing an electrifying 113 off just 80 balls, as the West Indies broke their 11-game ODI losing streak against Bangladesh emphatically. Rutherford’s maiden century, coming at a crucial juncture in the series opener, was supported by a composed 86 from skipper Shai Hope. The duo orchestrated a record-breaking chase of 294 – the highest-ever successful pursuit at Warner Park, St Kitts – sealing the win by five wickets with 14 balls to spare. The victory ended a painful losing streak and signaled a resurgence for the West Indies in ODI cricket.

A cautious start transforms into an exciting chase

The West Indies’ pursuit of 294 began on a rocky note, as they cheaply lost both openers, Brandon King (6) and Evin Lewis (16). A disciplined Bangladesh bowling unit, led by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Nahid Rana, kept the scoring in check, reducing the hosts to 130 for 3 by the 30th over. Hope, true to his reputation, held the innings together with a measured half-century, while Rutherford initially struggled to find rhythm. At one stage, he was on 19 off 29 balls, and the required rate climbed steadily. However, the match flipped dramatically in the 32nd over, as Rutherford shifted gears, dismantling the Bangladesh attack with a series of towering sixes and crisp boundaries. His acceleration, culminating in an 80-ball century, revitalized the chase and put the hosts firmly in control.

Bangladesh’s strong total fails to deter West Indies

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh opted to bat and built a challenging total of 294/6, powered by crucial contributions from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (74 off 101), Tanzid Hasan (60 off 60) and Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 50 off 44 balls. Tanzid and Soumya Sarkar provided a steady start, adding 50 for the opening wicket before Sarkar fell for 19. Litton Das departed cheaply, but Miraz took charge, anchoring the innings and adding a vital 79-run stand with Tanzid. In the final overs, Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali added 96 runs in just 12.3 overs, smashing six sixes between them. While their late fireworks bolstered Bangladesh’s total, the West Indies bowlers, led by Romario Shepherd (3/51) and Alzarri Joseph (2/67), ensured it didn’t spiral out of control.

Also READ: 10 lesser-known facts about West Indies emerging star Justin Greaves

Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope’s match-winning partnership

Rutherford’s innings was a masterclass in handling pressure and seizing momentum. After starting cautiously, he exploded with a flurry of boundaries, reaching his half-century off 48 balls and racing to his second fifty in just 29 deliveries. He plundered eight sixes and seven fours, taking full advantage of loose deliveries and maintaining an aggressive approach. Hope, meanwhile, played the perfect foil, crafting an 88-ball 86 with three fours and four sixes, ensuring the innings had stability. Their 99-run partnership was pivotal, laying the foundation for the chase. Even after Hope’s dismissal, Rutherford kept the scoreboard ticking, and Justin Greaves provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 41 off 31 balls, including five boundaries.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: West Indies announces ODI squad for Bangladesh series; Justin Greaves returns

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December 09, 2024 at 09:14AM
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