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Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra commended the West Indies team as they progressed to the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Chopra labeled the West Indies as the team to watch in the ongoing tournament, particularly after their convincing victory against New Zealand in their recent match.
The West Indies secured a 13-run win over New Zealand at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Wednesday, June 12. Posting a competitive total of 149 runs in their allotted 20 overs, the home team’s bowlers then contained New Zealand to 136/9, securing their third consecutive victory in the World Cup.
Following Afghanistan’s victory over Papua New Guinea at the same venue the following day, Afghanistan also secured their place in the Super 8 stages. Unfortunately, New Zealand was eliminated from the group stage. The West Indies are set to face Afghanistan in their final group stage match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on Monday, June 17.
Aakash Chopra says They Have An Explosive Batting LineupÂ
Aakash Chopra, in a video posted on his YouTube channel, lauded the West Indies as a formidable force in the T20 World Cup, particularly emphasizing their explosive batting prowess. Chopra specifically commended Sherfane Rutherford for his standout performance against New Zealand, dubbing him an unexpected hero in the match.
“New Zealand tata bye-bye. West Indies are the team to beat. They have an explosive batting lineup in which Sherfane Rutherford came as a slightly out-of-syllabus question from New Zealand’s perspective because they managed Nicholas Pooras, Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Andre Russell and everyone else, but Sherfane Rutherford thrashed them,” Chopra said.
Sherfane Rutherford entered the crease during a challenging period for the West Indies, with the team at 22/4 after 5.4 overs. Despite the pressure, Rutherford showcased remarkable resilience, scoring an unbeaten 68 runs off just 39 balls, which included two boundaries and six maximums. In a crucial partnership, he combined with Gudakesh Motie, who contributed zero runs from one delivery, to add an unbeaten 37 runs for the last wicket.
Aakash Chopra said West Indies Are A Damn Good TeamÂ
The ex-Indian opener commended the West Indies’ bowling display, affirming their status as a formidable team. Chopra cautioned other teams against underestimating the co-hosts of the T20 World Cup.
“He scored runs and took his team to a score from where a win was possible. After that, Gudakesh Motie definitely picks up wickets, he took two or three in this match as well, Alzarri Joseph took four, Akeal Hosein bowled tightly, and then Romario Shepherd and Andre Russell. I think West Indies are a damn good team. This team has depth and variety. You need to be wary of them,” Chopra added.
Alzarri Joseph showcased an impressive bowling performance, claiming four wickets while conceding only 19 runs in his allotted four overs. Gudakesh Motie contributed significantly with three wickets, conceding 25 runs throughout his full quota of overs. Akeal Hosein proved economical, giving away only 21 runs and taking one wicket. Andre Russell also managed to secure a wicket but conceded 30 runs in his spell.