West Indies vs Papua New Guinea T20 World Cup 2024: Powerhouse Clash and Weather Woes in Guyana

Batting 1st PNG 136/8 (20)

Batting 2nd WI 8/1 (1.4)

The T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to witness a thrilling encounter when West Indies take on Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the Providence Stadium, Guyana in the second game of the mega event. Both the teams have different journeys and ambitions which makes this match an interesting contest. While the West Indies aim to regain their past glory, PNG looks poised to make a significant mark on the world stage. West Indies have created a great history in this event of the T20 World Cup by winning this event twice.

Match Details

1. Teams: West Indies vs Papua New Guinea
2. Date: June 2, 2024
3. Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana
4. Time: 10.30 AM local; 2.30 PM GMT; 8 PM IST
5. WI won the toss and decided to bowl first
6. PNG 136/8 (20)
7. WI 8/1 (1.4)

Rain stops play – West Indies need 129 runs

West Indies: Aiming for Redemption

The West Indies team, two-time T20 World Cup champions (2012 and 2016), have had a tough time in recent editions. They crashed out of the 2021 T20 World Cup with just one win in the Super 12 and failed to get out of the preliminary round in 2022 with losses to Ireland and Scotland.

Now, with home advantage and an in-form team, they are eager to start their campaign strongly. His recent performances include a 3-0 series sweep against South Africa and a warm-up win against Australia, where he scored an astonishing 257 runs.

Key Players to Watch

1. Andre Russell: With a strike rate of 207.89 in T20s this year, Russell is a powerhouse. His performance in the IPL, where he played a crucial role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ title win against SRH, makes him a key player.
2. Nicholas Pooran: Pooran is a left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper, Pooran is in exceptional form, hitting the most sixes (154) in T20 cricket since 2023. His IPL performance and recent 25-ball 75 against Australia highlight his explosive batting.
3. Gudakesh Motie: The highest wicket-taker against South Africa, Motie’s form will be crucial for West Indies. He is another sensation and ready to continue his form.

Probable XI

1. Johnson Charles
2. Brandon King
3. Nicholas Pooran (wk)
4. Rovman Powell (capt)
5. Shimron Hetmyer
6. Sherfane Rutherford
7. Andre Russell
8. Akeal Hosein
9. Alzarri Joseph
10. Shamar Joseph
11. Gudakesh Motie

Papua New Guinea: The Underdogs with Potential

PNG is playing its second T20 World Cup, having participated for the first time in 2021. Despite being considered underdogs, they have plenty of experience with ten players in their 2021 squad and a fast-paced attack. So we can consider PNG as a good team and capable of giving them a tough time in their group.

Key Players to Watch

1. Charles Amini: Amini is PNG’s key all-rounder with 994 runs and 47 wickets in T20Is. His performance will be crucial for PNG’s success.
2. Assad Vala: The veteran batter, along with Tony Ura and Lega Siaka, forms the backbone of PNG’s batting.
3. Norman Vanua: PNG’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, Vanua will lead their bowling attack.

Probable XI

1. Tony Ura
2. Sese Bau
3. Assad Vala (capt)
4. Lega Siaka
5. Charles Amini
6. Hiri Hiri
7. Kiplin Doriga (wk)
8. Norman Vanua
9. Alei Nao
10. John Kariko
11. Chad Soper

Form Guide

1. West Indies: WWWWw (last five completed matches)
2. Papua New Guinea: LLWLW

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The average first innings score in T20 games at Providence Stadium since 2022 is 168. Teams batting first always have a slight edge over their opponents, winning 11 out of 24 matches. Spinners have achieved success here with an economy rate of 6.94 which makes spinners play an important role in the game.

However, the weather can play an important role. Rain and thunderstorms are predicted which may disrupt the game.

Stats That Matter

• Nicholas Pooran: Most sixes in T20 cricket in 2024 (77) and fifth-highest run-scorer (993 runs).
• Andre Russell: Highest strike rate in T20 cricket this year (207.89) for any batter facing more than 75 balls.
• Obed McCoy: Fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20 cricket this year with 36 wickets.
• Tony Ura is the only PNG batter to score a century in T20Is.
• John Kariko: PNG’s highest wicket-taker since 2023 with 25 wickets in 16 games.

Predictions and Expectations

The West Indies, with their strong batting line-up, also have depth in their batting line-up, and the in-form players are favorites. However, PNG’s experience and determination make them worth the upset. The game promises an exciting battle, with the weather possibly playing a role.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first T20I meeting between West Indies and PNG in all the formats of cricket, adding an element of unpredictability to the match.

Quotes

Rovman Powell, West Indies captain: “If Andre Russell rocks up for any international team, you would definitely slot him within the team. He comes with a wealth of experience and confidence from the IPL. We are looking forward to him being a significant part of our World Cup campaign.”

Assad Vala, PNG captain: “It means a lot to be playing among the best 20 teams in the world. We are here to play the best cricket we can and not just to make up the numbers.”

Conclusion

As the West Indies and PNG face-off, fans can expect a thrilling match full of explosive performances and strategic gameplay that will test PNG’s handling of the West Indian bowling attack. With West Indies off to a strong start and PNG looking to upset the odds, this clash will be the highlight of the T20 World Cup 2024. Cricket fans have a lot to see in this exciting competition.