In the second match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday, June 2, Papua New Guinea (PNG) defeated co-hosts West Indies (WI). But the West Indies put up a strong fight, winning by five wickets and earning two crucial points.
After winning the toss, Rovman Powell asked PNG to bat first at Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana. A dismal start saw the tourists lose three wickets for 34 runs during their powerplay. Assad Vala, the team’s captain and leader, played a great innings but was removed from the game for 21 in the last powerplay over.
Playing conservatively on a slow-moving wicket, Sese Bau, batting at number four, reached fifty off forty-three deliveries. In addition to struggling with boundary hitting, the PNG batters also struggled with strike rotation. Kiplin Doriga, the wicketkeeper-battler, made a critical 27 runs off of 18 balls to help PNG reach 136/8 in their 20 overs. Andre Russell was excellent with the ball; in his three overs, he claimed two wickets for 19 runs. Although he was a little expensive, Alzarri Joseph claimed a few wickets.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: Match 4, SA vs SL Match Preview
Kabua Morea hit four dot balls to start the second innings, but it wasn’t until Brandon King hit two consecutive boundaries that the West Indies got going. Russell joined the dangerous Roston Chase at the crease. With an over left, the latter, still composed, proved his worth to the team by smashing an unbeaten 42 off 27 balls to take the two-time champions to victory. Russell ended up reaching 15 off 9 balls without losing.
Here’s what winning skipper Rovman Powell said:
Their plans were simple, and they play some good cricket. It’s important to get two points, and that’s what we did. It’s 10-15 too much (PNG’s total). As a bowling group, that’s what we want to tighten up. Since I turned captain, 70-80 percent team has been playing together. Starting from the bowling effort, he bowled very well (talking about Chase). And then towards the end, to hold his composure in a pressure game in WC, it’s pleasing for us. Weren’t up to the straps to the level we want to play. We were at 60-70 percent. Hopefully we can correct that for the second game.
Here’s what losing skipper Assad Vala said:
We knew we missed a trick towards the end. Another 15-20 runs would’ve been nice. But from the wickets we lost early, to post 136 was a good effort. Yeah, really happy with the way we fought. Got wickets in key moments. It’s an opportunity and challenge we look forward to. Want to play our best cricket against the best players. He’s been helpful with the wickets and conditions (talking about Phil Simmons).
Here’s what Player of the Match Roston Chase said:
Very pleased to start the tournament with a win and to take the team over the line. I knew that it was hard for the batters coming in, gave myself time and backed my skills. I watched the PNG batters, they took their time and once they got in it was easy to score. I have worked hard, had a preparation camp in Antigua and brought that confidence into the game. We don’t want to take any team lightly, they (PNG) are here which means they are deserving, we want to play the same way we would play India or Australia.
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