Srinagar: Kane Williamson led New Zealand are on the brink of T20 World Cup 2024 exut after suffering defeat vs West Indies on Thursday at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad.
Chasing a target of 150 runs, New Zealand were restricted to 136-9 in 20 overs.
The loss has left New Zealand on the brink of T20 World Cup exit since it was their second defeat in as many matches in Group C.
Meanwhile, the West Indies have qualified for the Super 8 after three wins in a row. They beat Uganda and Papua New Guinea in their previous matches.
During the run-chase, Glenn Phillips scored 40 runs in 33 balls for New Zealand and was the highest run-scorer. However, the Black Caps struggled to gain momentum throughout the innings as they lost wickets regularly.
Alzarri Joseph finished with figures of 4-19, meanwhile Gudakesh Motie snapped up 3-25.
Batting first, West Indies posted 149-9 in their allotted 20 overs. At one stage, it seemed that the home side would post a much lower total as they had slipped to 7-76 in the 13th over.
However, Sherfane Rutherford played a sensational unbeaten knock of 68 runs in 39 balls to help Windies reach a competitive total. His innings included two fours and six maximums.
West Indies scored 37 runs in the last two overs as they took full advantage of the fact that New Zealand’s main bowlers had already completed their overs. Daryl Mitchell gave away 19 in the penultimate over, while Mitchell Santner went for 18 in the last over.
Trent Boult was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand with impressive figures of 3-16 in four overs. The left-armer also bowled a maiden over during his spell.
Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson also bagged two wickets each.