PkRevenue.com – Providence Stadium witnessed a thrilling encounter on Sunday as West Indies triumphed over Papua New Guinea by five wickets in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024.
The Caribbean side’s strategic play and composed batting secured a promising start to their campaign.
Winning the toss, West Indies opted to field first, putting Papua New Guinea to bat. The Papua New Guinea struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined West Indies bowling attack, managing to post 136 runs for eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Sese Bau was the standout performer for Papua New Guinea, scoring a commendable 50 runs off 43 balls. Kiplin Doriga added a quickfire 37 not out from 18 balls, while Assad Vala contributed 21 runs off 22 balls.
West Indies’ bowlers delivered a well-coordinated performance. Andre Russell led the attack, taking two wickets for 19 runs in his three overs. Alzarri Joseph also claimed two crucial wickets, conceding 34 runs in his four-over spell. Akeal Hossein was particularly economical, taking one wicket for just nine runs in three overs, stifling the PNG batsmen effectively.
Chasing a target of 137 runs, West Indies reached the mark with six balls to spare, losing five wickets in the process. Roston Chase anchored the innings with an unbeaten 42 runs off 27 balls, showcasing his resilience under pressure. Brandon King supported well with 34 runs from 29 balls, and Nicholas Pooran added 27 runs from 27 balls, ensuring a steady chase.
For Papua New Guinea, Assad Vala was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. Alei Nao and John Kariko each chipped in with a wicket, but their efforts were not enough to contain the West Indies’ batting line-up.
Roston Chase’s decisive performance earned him the Player of the Match award, his composed knock proving to be the cornerstone of West Indies’ successful chase.
This victory sets a positive tone for West Indies in the tournament, showcasing their potential to be formidable contenders. Meanwhile, PNG will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next matches. The T20 World Cup promises more such exciting contests as teams vie for the coveted title.
