Cricket Highlights, June 02: WC 2024 (Match 02) – West Indies vs Papua New Guinea

West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea (Match 02) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, held on June 2nd, between the West Indies and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in Group C. The cricketing world witnessed an exhilarating contest at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

West Indies, led by a spectacular performance from Roston Chase, set PNG a challenging target. PNG, driven by a valiant effort from Sese Bau and the strategic captaincy of Assad Vala, came tantalizingly close to an upset. However, in the final over, the brilliance of Andre Russell and the composure of Roston Chase secured a nail-biting victory for the West Indies. Despite a heroic effort, Vala and his team fell just short, highlighting the unpredictable and thrilling nature of T20 cricket.

West Indies began their T20 World Cup campaign on a promising note, aiming for their third title. Winning the toss, Rovman Powell chose to bowl first, anticipating morning conditions in Providence to favor his bowlers. Akeal Hosein set the tone, conceding just one run in the opening over, as PNG’s Tony Ura and Assad Vala struggled to score.

Romario Shepherd made an early breakthrough, dismissing Ura with an edge behind. Akeal Hosein followed up by bowling Lega Siaka with a brilliant delivery that hit the stumps. Despite Vala’s brief resistance, which included a six off Chase and a couple of boundaries off Joseph, PNG found themselves at 34 for 3 by the end of the powerplay.

Sese Bau injected some life into PNG’s innings, hitting the first boundary by driving Russell down the ground. He played aggressively, even reverse-sweeping Hosein for a four. Bau formed a vital partnership with Amini, adding 44 runs and helping PNG recover from early setbacks.

Bau continued his onslaught against Motie, hitting a four and a six off consecutive deliveries, boosting PNG’s run rate. A top-edged four off Joseph brought him close to his fifty. However, Amini’s dismissal to a Russell delivery halted their momentum momentarily.

Reaching his half-century off 42 balls, Bau became the second PNG batter to achieve this milestone in T20 World Cups. His innings ended when he was deceived by a slower ball from Joseph, leaving PNG at 98 for 6 in the 17th over. Kiplin Doriga then played a crucial role in the final overs, scoring 27 off 18 balls, ensuring PNG posted a competitive total.

Doriga’s innings included some aggressive strokes and quick running between the wickets. Despite being nearly dismissed early on, he capitalized on the opportunities and punished West Indies’ bowlers in the death overs. Shepherd, Russell, and Joseph all conceded runs, with Joseph overstepping on the final ball, adding to PNG’s total.

West Indies’ recent history in ICC tournaments has been fraught with disappointments, and a sense of trepidation loomed as they began their chase. Alei Nao struck with his first ball, dismissing Johnson Charles for a golden duck. The situation worsened when rain interrupted play after Pooran narrowly survived an LBW appeal.

PNG’s missed opportunity to review Pooran’s LBW decision proved costly. When play resumed, Nao bowled a wicket maiden, keeping the pressure on West Indies. Brandon King’s aggressive boundaries helped West Indies regain some momentum, despite Pooran’s struggles at the other end.

Pooran found his rhythm in the sixth over, hitting Bau for consecutive sixes and a four, pushing West Indies to 52 for 1 by the end of the powerplay. However, he never fully settled and was eventually caught at long-on off Kariko’s bowling, reigniting PNG’s hopes.

With both ends spinning, Vala’s introduction troubled West Indies further. King’s attempt to break free ended with a catch at deep midwicket, resulting in a wicket-maiden for Vala. West Indies were 77 for 3 after 13 overs, scoring just 25 runs outside the powerplay.

Rovman Powell tried to stabilize the innings with a much-needed boundary off Chad Soper but was soon dismissed. Confidently reviewing his caught-behind decision didn’t change the outcome. Roston Chase then stepped up, hitting a slog-sweep for six to relieve some pressure.

Chase’s calm and calculated approach kept West Indies in the game. Despite losing Rutherford to a catch behind off Vala’s bowling, Chase’s unbeaten 42 proved decisive. He expertly navigated the final overs, ensuring West Indies avoided a major upset and secured a nervy victory.

West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea Scoreboard

Papua New Guinea – 136/8 (20.0)

West Indies – 137/5 (19)

Result – West Indies won by 5 wickets (6 balls left) 

Player of the match – Roston chase

Roston chase

West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea Playing XIs

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