Men's T20 World Cup 2024 West Indies vs Papua New Guinea, 2nd Match
The West Indies cricket team, known for its explosive batting, fiery fast bowlers, and dynamic fielders, are the ultimate poster boys of T20 cricket. Despite being two-time world champions, their global influence on franchises and their revolutionary approach to the format suggest they should have dominated the world stage more than they have. In 2024, co-hosting the tournament offers them another chance to prove why they command such respect despite their fluctuating global rankings.
First Opponent: Papua New Guinea
The West Indies' first match is against Papua New Guinea (PNG), seemingly an easy challenge on paper. However, given the West Indies' unpredictable nature, an upset wouldn't be shocking. PNG, with an aging squad, brings valuable experience to the big stage. While they aim to assert dominance over Uganda, another Associate team in their group, they have nothing to lose and will strive to challenge the three Full Members.
A loss to PNG could jeopardize the West Indies' chances of progressing to the next round. Many West Indies players are coming off a grueling IPL season, which provides useful experience but requires quick adaptation to the slower home conditions.
Match Details
When: Sunday, June 2, 2024, 10:30 AM (Local) / 20:00 PM (IST) / 14:30 AM (GMT)
Where: Providence Stadium, Guyana
Conditions: Expect a slow pitch with the highest total at the venue in the last 13 years being 169/5. There is a chance of passing showers and some cloud cover, but it should mostly remain sunny.
Head-to-Head
This will be the first T20I encounter between the West Indies and PNG.
Team Watch
West Indies:
Jason Holder has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury and replaced by Obed McCoy.
Tactics & Matchups:
PNG hasn't faced a Full Member team since January 2023. The West Indies can use this to their advantage, unleashing the pace attack of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph early on.
Probable XI:
Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer/Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph/Akeal Hosein.
PNG:
Only five players in the squad have experience playing in the West Indies. Including the big-hitting Norman Vanua could be a strategic move.
Tactics & Matchups:
Left-arm finger spinner John Kariko, PNG's leading wicket-taker in the latest cycle and one of the few with experience in these conditions from the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, will be crucial.
Probable XI:
Tony Ura, Sese Bau, Assad Vala, Lega Siaka, Hiri Hiri, Hila Vare, Chad Soper, Kiplin Doriga, Alei Nao, Kabua Morea, Semo Kamea.
Did You Know?
- Since the 2022 T20 World Cup, PNG has won 14 out of 18 T20Is, boasting the second-best win percentage among all teams after Uganda.
- Rovman Powell has the second-highest win percentage as West Indies captain, after Daren Sammy.
- Andre Russell has scored 632 runs at an average of over 45 and a strike rate of 207.89, and with the ball, he has taken 34 wickets at a strike rate of 13.6.
