WI Win By Five Wickets | WI vs PNG Highlights of ICC T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies Survive Scare to Beat Papua New Guinea, Start Campaign With Victory

West Indies get home by five wickets and one has to applaud PNG's bowling effort. Defending 137, they made things tough for West Indies by taking wickets at regular intervals but in the end, Roston Chase and Andre Russell ensured that there was no upset at the start of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. PNG can take a lot away from their effort, especially with the ball, and will also aim to work on their batting as the tournament progresses. West Indies too, on the other hand, would hope to be more clinical with more experienced opposition ahead of them. 

West Indies beat Papua New Guinea by five wickets! But PNG can be mighty proud of how tough they made it for them! 

OUT! Another wicket goes down for West Indies with Assad Vala dismissing Sherfane Rutherford. The southpaw got a slight edge while attempting a pull shot and the wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga pulls off yet another good catch. PNG are putting on some fightback here as they are making it tough for the West Indies. Sherfane Rutherford c Kiplin Doriga b Assad Vala 2(7)

Powell c Kiplin Doriga b Chad Soper 15(14)A big, big wicket this with Chad Soper dismissing Rovman Powell! West Indies suffer a massive setback with the skipper getting an edge and the wicketkeeper ended up taking a good catch. PNG are putting on a spirited effort with the ball here. Rovman Powell c Kiplin Doriga b Chad Soper 15(14)

OUT! Assad Vala has introduced himself into the attack and dismissed Brandon King. The right-hander was looking good but he could connect a slog sweep ball for a big shot and found the fielder instead. Brandon King c Lega Siaka b Assad Vala 34(29)

OUT! John Kariko has struck and dismissed Nicholas Pooran, who looked to clear the fence. Tony Ura got there in time to take the catch. PNG would hope to put more pressure here with the fall of this wicket. Nicholas Pooran c Tony Ura b John Kariko 27(27)

Nicholas Pooran and Brandon King are leading the charge for West Indies here. King got off to a flying start as compared to a slow beginning from Pooran but the latter picked up pace with some big shots off Sese Bau's bowling in the last over of the powerplay. West Indies, expectedly are dictating proceedings at the moment.

The match has resumed after a rain break with Alei Nao bowling a wicket maiden. Nao could have had Nicholas Pooran's wicket if he took a review before the rain came down. Nonetheless, it is a top over and PNG is not making it easy for West Indies. 

As the action was getting interesting, the rain has come down heavily at the Providence Stadium. The groundstaff have covered the pitch and the players are off with the match being put to a halt as of now. There's extra time available before we start to lose overs. 

OUT! Johnson Charles has been dismissed first ball by Alei Nao! The ball trapped Charles in front of the stumps and umpire Rashid Riaz did not have any hesitation in raising his finger. An early breakthrough and Nao is delighted along with his PNG teammates. Johnson Charles lbw b Alei Nao 0(1)

The West Indies national cricket team has bowled out Papua New Guinea national team for just 136/8 on the board. It has been a disciplined bowling effort from Rovman Powell and his men as they struck at regular intervals and did not let the momentum shift in favour of PNG. West Indies will now look to chase this total down as quickly as possible to start with a good Net Run Rate (NRR). Sese Bau was the best PNG batter, scoring a half-century. Kiplin Doriga also finished with 27 runs off 18 deliveries.

OUT! Andre Russell has one more wicket to his name as he cleans up Chad Soper with a good yorker. West Indies have done really well with the ball in this match. It is a second wicket for Russell. Chad Soper b Andre Russell 10(9)

OUT! Alzarri Joseph has struck, dismissing Sese Bau, who was PNG's best batter in this match. The left-hander was deceived by the slower ball and it crashed into the stumps. Sese Bau b Alzarri Joseph 50(43) 

FIFTY for Sese Bau! The left-hander has batted better than everyone else with wickets falling at the other end at regular intervals. Bau has stood up on the big stage and is keeping PNG's hopes of a substantial total, alive. 

OUT! Andre Russell has broken the partnership by dismissing Charles Amini. West Indies continue their dominance in the contest. It is also Russell's 50th wicket in T20Is. Charles Amini c Nicholas Pooran b Andre Russell 12(14)

West Indies have kept things in control with some tight bowling. The co-hosts hope to maintain this momentum for the remainder of the innings. PNG, on the other hand, need a big effort to get to a total of some substance. 

OUT! The wickets keep falling for Papua New Guinea with West Indies tightening their screws on this contest. This time, it is Gudakesh Motie who has struck, dismissing Hiri Hiri with Rovman Powell taking a simple catch off a deflection. Hiri Hiri c Rovman Powell b Gudakesh Motie 2(6)

OUT! Assad Vala, the PNG captain has to depart courtesy of a great catch from Roston Chase. Vala was looking to take on the loose deliveries but he has been undone by the wonderful catch from Chase. PNG have lost three wickets with just 34 runs on the board. Assad Vala c Roston Chase b Alzarri Joseph 21(22)

OUT! Another wicket falls for PNG and it is a beautiful delivery from Akeal Hosein to get rid of Lega Siaka. West Indies are asserting their dominance on this contest pretty early on and Papua New Guinea need a fightback. Lega Siaka b Akeal Hosein 1(2)

OUT! A wicket to start off with for West Indies who have struck early. Tony Ura edged the ball and Nicholas Pooran completed the dismissal with a simple catch. PNG on the backfoot early. Tony Ura c Nicholas Pooran b Romario Shepherd 2(5)