West Indies successfully averted a scare from a spirited Papua New Guinea to win their T20 World Cup 2024 opener on Sunday (June 2) in Georgetown, Guyana.

Chasing a modest total, West Indies were reduced to 97-5, needing 40 off the last four overs. A collective bowling effort spearheaded by captain Assad Vala (2-27) made sure that West Indies didn’t find it easy in the middle.

However, Roston Chase, unbeaten on 42 off 27, partnered with Andre Russell (15 off 9) to ensure the two-time T20 world champions crossed the line without any further hiccups. Chase smashed Vala for two fours and a six in the 18th over to bring down the equation close to a run a ball.

West Indies completed victory in the 19th over without losing any further wickets. Beyond Chase and Russell, they had their bowlers to thank for setting up the game.

After opting to bowl first, Romario Shephard drew the first blood for the hosts by dismissing opener Tony Ura. No.3 batter Lega Sika soon followed Ura back to the pavilion after being bowled by Akeal Hosein. PNG were teetering at 7-2, and it took until the final ball of the fourth over for Sese Bau to hit the first four of the innings. Vala looked to up the tempo by dispatching the next ball off Roston Chase for six. The PNG skipper then hit Alzarri Joseph for two fours in the final over of the powerplay before perishing off the last delivery leaving his side at 34-3.

PNG were up against it, but a solid knock from Bau (50 off 43) ensured they batted out the overs. Wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga’s 18-ball 27 provided some late impetus, taking them to 136-8.

All West Indies bowlers were among the wickets except Roston Chase, who restricted the run flow, giving away 26 off his four overs.

Chase was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his all-round show.

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