Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive maiden ODI century powered West Indies to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Bangladesh in St. Kitts, snapping an 11-match losing streak against the visitors.
Chasing 295, Rutherford’s 113 off 80 balls, laced with seven fours and eight sixes, turned the tide after a slow start.
The West Indies, struggling at 27/2 in the powerplay, found momentum through Rutherford and Shai Hope (86), who added 99 runs for the fourth wicket.
Hope’s dismissal briefly shifted the pressure back to the hosts, but Rutherford, alongside Justin Greaves (41*), delivered a counterattacking partnership of 95 off 57 balls. Greaves sealed the chase with 14 balls remaining.
Bangladesh had earlier posted a competitive 294/6, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 74 and a late 96-run stand between Mahmudullah (50*) and Jaker Ali (48). Tanzid Hasan contributed a brisk 60 at the top, while Romario Shepherd (3/56) ensured key breakthroughs for the West Indies.
Rutherford reached his century in dramatic fashion, capitalizing on overthrows and smashing consecutive sixes off Soumya Sarkar. Though dismissed shortly after, his knock proved decisive in giving West Indies a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
BDST: 1313 HRS, DEC 09, 2024
SMS