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Co-hosts West Indies kicked off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a nerve-wracking five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in Guyana on Sunday, June 2. Despite high expectations following a dominant performance in their last warm-up match against Australia, the Caribbean side faced a tougher challenge than anticipated against the lower-ranked PNG. With 37 runs still needed for victory and only 19 balls remaining while chasing 137-run target, the tension was palpable. However, the two-time champions held their nerve and emerged victorious with six balls to spare. Roston Chase played a key role in the win, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten knock of 42 runs. His crucial 40-run partnership with Andre Russell calmed the team's nerves after a shaky start that saw them lose four wickets for just 50 runs. PNG had briefly raised hopes of an upset, but the Windies' experience ultimately proved decisive.
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West Indies go past finishing line after early jolts
The West Indies' chase for 138 began with a hiccup as Johnson Charles (0 off 1) fell cheaply. PNG then missed a golden opportunity when a close LBW call against Nicholas Pooran (27 off 27) went in his favor. While Pooran initially struggled, Brandon King provided a spark with some powerful boundaries. Pooran eventually found his rhythm with some aggressive shots towards the end of the powerplay, and the pair put on a 53-run stand, giving the hosts a promising platform. However, the complexion of the chase changed dramatically with the quick dismissals of both set batsmen. The West Indies middle order faltered, struggling to maintain the scoring rate and losing wickets at regular intervals. Amidst the mini-collapse, Roston Chase remained resolute, anchoring the innings despite losing partners around him. The arrival of Andre Russell (15 off 9) at the crease proved to be the turning point. The duo formed a crucial partnership, with Chase accelerating and scoring a blistering 42 off just 27 balls. Their combined efforts ensured the West Indies crossed the finish line with six balls to spare. Captain Assad Vala provided some resistance for PNG with two wickets for 28 runs, while Alei Nao also chipped in with a wicket in his early spell.
West Indies restrict Papua New Guinea to low total
Earlier, despite a valiant half-century from Sese Bau, two-time champions West Indies comfortably contained Papua New Guinea to a below-par score of 136/8. The gulf in experience between the sides was evident, but Bau (50 runs off 43 balls) provided a spark for PNG on the big stage with a spirited knock. Playing in only their second T20 World Cup, PNG found themselves in early trouble, slumping to 50/4.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the West Indies strategy of including three spinners seemed effective right from the start. Akeal Hosein's first over offered a hint of assistance for the spinners, but it was pacer Romario Shepherd who drew first blood, dismissing Tony Ura caught behind in the second over. Hosein soon joined the party, removing number three Lega Siaka with an arm ball. Alzarri Joseph then sent back PNG skipper Assad Vala (21 runs off 22 balls) with a sharp catch taken by Roston Chase at backward point, after Vala had briefly threatened with a couple of crisp drives through the covers. Vala's six over extra cover off spinner Chase in the previous over was a rare highlight for PNG in the early stages.
However, Sese Bau ensured PNG didn't crumble entirely. The left-hander, similar to Vala, took on left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, smashing a six and a couple of boundaries to infuse the innings with some much-needed momentum. After Bau's dismissal, the associate nation hung on resolutely, eventually reaching a score closer to the 140-run mark than might have initially seemed possible.
West Indies will next face New Zealand on June 13.
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