The West Indies (137/5) defeated a spirited Papua New Guinea (136/8) by 5 wickets to start their T20 World Cup 2024 on a positive note. PNG batted first and gave a tough fight despite being 50 for 4 at one point. Sese Bau (50 off 43) helped post 136 runs. West Indies chased down the total in 19 overs, despite a tough challenge from PNG’s bowlers, with Roston Chase (42 off 27) leading the team to victory.
Rovman Powell (15 off 14) won the toss and invited PNG to bat on a slow track. Akeal Hosein (1/9) and Romario Shepherd (1/23) were on fire with the new ball, sending back three PNG batters inside the powerplay. Sese Bau steadied the innings, and Kiplin Doriga (27 off 18) provided the finishing touch to take the total to 136 runs.
West Indies were expected to chase the 137-run target easily, but PNG had perfect plans. They choked West Indies, taking five wickets by the 16th over, leaving them at 97 runs. However, Roston Chase stood tall and led the team to victory. 
While the West Indies won the game, they would have preferred a more clinical victory to boost their NRR early on. Despite the loss, PNG impressed everyone. In this group of deaths with New Zealand and Afghanistan, this match could potentially haunt the West Indies later.
Here are five moments that defined the game:
Akeal Hosein’s Haunting Spell
Akeal Hosein was instrumental in West Indies’ strong start. The left-arm slow bowler opened the bowling and was on point from the first ball. He conceded only one run in his first over, setting the tone for the whole team. Hosein dismissed Lega Siaka (1/2) in the second over, making PNG’s start as poor as it could be. He finished with just 9 runs conceded, a major factor in the match.
Russell’s Breakthrough Over
Andre Russell (2/19), key to the recent Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL win, proved his worth again. As the middle overs specialist, Rovman Powell deployed him strategically. Charles Amini (12 off 14) and Sese Bau were building a strong partnership, but Russell disrupted their momentum. Reintroduced in the 15th over, he took the wicket of the promising Amini, preventing PNG from changing the game’s momentum.
Brandon King’s Charge
West Indies faced trouble early in the chase, scoring just 8 runs in the first two overs while losing one wicket. With conditions favoring PNG bowlers, it looked challenging, but Brandon King (34 off 29) stood strong. He took charge and allowed Nicholas Pooran (27 off 27) to take his time at the other end. King’s 29 runs from 15 balls in the powerplay were crucial, as batting became tougher afterward.
Roston Chase’s Middle Steadiness
Although West Indies scored 52 runs in the powerplay, they suffered a big blow in the middle overs. PNG spinners took control, dismissing both Pooran and King while conceding only 11 runs in the four overs after the powerplay. Roston Chase showed immense maturity, playing sensible cricket to calm PNG’s attack. Losing a wicket at that point would have changed everything.
Chase’s Perfect Chase
West Indies were in deep trouble after Sherfane Rutherford (2/7) got out, with 40 runs needed from the last four overs. The wicket was becoming increasingly difficult. PNG were in the driver’s seat, but Chase displayed a masterclass in chasing, reminiscent of Virat Kohli. He scored 18 runs in the 18th over against Assad Vala (2/28), shifting the momentum. Throughout the chase, Chase’s calculated risks were exemplary.
West Indies got points on the board but won’t be happy with how things turned out. A more relentless approach could have generated a better NRR and a more positive statement. However, a win is a win. They will now face Uganda at Guyana’s stadium on June 9th. PNG, incredibly impressive, could have finished on the winning side with some luck. PNG will face Uganda in Guyana on June 5th.
Check out the match statistics here
