PNG scored 136/8 in 20 overs, where as West Indies scored 137/5 in 19 overs.
So, finally West Indies beat PNG by 5 wickets.
West Indies stumbled and stuttered to the finish line, kickstarting their home World Cup campaign with a 5-wicket win over PNG.
Chasing a modest target of 137 in a rain-interrupted run-chase, the hosts took 19 overs to finish the contest against a disciplined PNG unit.
Roston Chase led the way with an unbeaten 42 off 27 balls, with several other players contributing with both bat and ball.
The Difference: Death Overs
Following a fine effort by the PNG spinners in the middle overs, both teams found themselves in a similar position at the start of the death overs – 97/5.
However, West Indies’ power-hitting and batting depth came to the rescue, as they wiped out the required runs in only four overs.
In contrast, despite some effort in the middle, PNG couldn’t find a similar acceleration.
At the Toss:
West Indies won the toss and elected to field, hoping to take advantage of the fresh wicket and the comfort of knowing the target while chasing.
Powerplay: WI Dominate Despite Vala’s Cameo
PNG: 34/3 (RR: 5.67; 3x4s, 1x6s)
Led by a wicket apiece from Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, and Alzarri Joseph, West Indies stamped their authority early on.
Skipper Assad Vala hit some delightful strokes – two boundaries and a six over extra cover – but his innings was cut short in the last over of the powerplay when he cut straight to the fielder at backward point.
Middle Overs: Bau Stages Revival
PNG: 60/2 (RR: 6.67; 5x4s, 1x6s)
Andre Russell struck off the last ball of this phase to have Charles Amini caught behind, but it was largely a period of revival for PNG.
Led by Sese Bau, who closed in on his half-century with a 44-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Amini, PNG showed resilience.
Bau took the attack to Gudakesh Motie in the 13th over, smashing the left-arm spinner for a couple of boundaries and a six.
Death Overs: Doriga Provides Late Flourish but PNG Restricted
PNG: 42/3 (RR: 8.40; 4x4s, 0x6s)
Despite Kiplin Doriga’s flourish in the last over, a flurry of wickets in the death overs ensured PNG was restricted to a sub-par total.
A slower ball dismissal of Bau in the 17th over, soon after he brought up his half-century, proved critical.
Russell picked up another wicket to complete a clinical bowling effort for West Indies.
West Indies
Powerplay: Pooran, King Dominate Early in Chase
WI: 52/1 (RR: 8.67, 8x4s, 2x6s)
PNG struck early with Alei Nao trapping Johnson Charles LBW for a golden duck.
However, Brandon King and Nicholas Pooran ensured there was no panic.
Following a rain interruption, the duo went on the offensive against Kabua Morea and Nao.
Bau bore the brunt of their attack in the last over of the powerplay, with Pooran smashing the off-spinner for two sixes and a boundary.
Middle Overs: PNG Spinners Stifle WI
WI: 42/3 (RR: 4.67, 2x4s, 1x6s)
After a couple of quiet overs to begin the middle period, Pooran mistimed a shot off John Kariko to the long-on fielder.
In the next over, Vala dismissed King and bowled a maiden over to shift the momentum.
Rovman Powell and Chase struggled to get going early against the spin trio of Vala, Chad Soper, and Kariko.
Just as Powell seemed to be getting a move on, he inside-edged a slog to the ‘keeper, who took a fine catch.
Death Overs: Chase, Russell Calm Nerves and Take WI Over the Line
WI: 43/1 in 4 overs (RR: 10.75; 4x4s, 2x6s)
Kariko and Vala continued to stifle the West Indians, with Vala cleaning up Rutherford, leaving the hosts needing 37 off the last 19 deliveries.
However, Russell ignited the chase with a six, and Chase picked up momentum, having started with 18 off 20 balls.
Russell worked the ball around the gaps for twos while Chase hit with the breeze.
Vala was taken apart for 18 runs in the 18th over, shifting momentum back in West Indies’ favor.
The duo ensured there was no further stutter, sealing the win.
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