Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Caribbean enigma roars back to life. A decade after their stunning triumph at Wankhede, the West Indies have done it again—crushing England for a 30-run win at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai, with a performance that evokes memories of 2016 and ignites talk of another improbable title charge at the T20 World Cup 2026.
A decade ago, Wankhede got to witness the Universe Boss a.k.a Chris Gayle light up Mumbai with a spectacular century to lead the West Indies over the line. This time round, it was somewhat similar with yet another left-hander, Sherfane Rutherford leading the charge with a sensational 76 off 42 balls alongside cameos from Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase and Jason Holder to ensure they had a fighting total of 196/6.
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One sharp contrast between the two games is how pace led the way in 2016, with Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell leading with the ball. But in 2026, it was the spin duo of Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase who did the heavy lifting here to put pressure on England.
SPINNERS WEAVE THE WEB
The West Indies spin attack was clinical, accounting for six wickets between them. Motie was the star with figures of 3/33, becoming only the second bowler to dismiss an opposition’s number three, four and five twice in T20 World Cups. Chase chipped in with 2/29, while Akeal Hosein picked up 1/32 as the trio combined for a stranglehold that England simply couldn’t break free from.
Their approach was markedly different from England’s spinners—bowling faster and shorter, with 70% of deliveries clocking 90+ kph compared to England’s more measured pace.
ENGLAND’S CHASE FALTERS
Phil Salt began with fireworks, plundering 30 off just 14 balls, including a monstrous 24-run over off Jason Holder. But Romario Shepherd’s introduction in the power play changed the game, removing the dangerous opener. From there, England kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Sam Curran fought valiantly with 43 off 30 balls, but found no support at the other end. The West Indies fielding was exemplary throughout—sharp catches, athletic ground work, and accurate throws under pressure.
DEFENDING SUCCESSFULLY AT WANKHEDE
What makes this victory even more special is the venue. Wankhede, with dew coming on during night games, is notoriously difficult to defend at. Yet the West Indies executed their plans to perfection, with Shamar Joseph and Holder nailing their yorkers at the death.
Adil Rashid was England’s lone bright spark, returning miserly figures of 2/16 and reaching 400 T20 wickets in the process. But it wasn’t enough to stop the Caribbean juggernaut.
THE SAMMY EFFECT
There seems to be something special about this West Indies side. Perhaps it’s the presence of Darren Sammy as head coach—the same man who captained them to glory in 2016. Whatever the secret ingredient, this side is coming together at the right time. With two wins on the bounce, they have one foot in the Super 8s.
England, meanwhile, faces a must-win situation. With games against Scotland and Italy remaining, they’ll need to rediscover their best form quickly to keep their tournament hopes alive.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
