The co-hosts, the West Indies, will commence their campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 today against a spirited Papua New Guinea (PNG) side at Providence Stadium, Guyana.
The West Indies are aiming to reclaim their former glory following a period of inconsistency. Meanwhile, PNG, entering their second T20I World Cup, are eager to secure their first win after three losses in 2021.
The West Indies have the potential to surprise all the heavyweights in the competition. They boast powerful batters, economical bowlers, and versatile all-rounders—everything a champion side needs. However, their one shortfall is consistency. If they can address that, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them increase their T20 World Cup winners' tally from two to three.
The likes of Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, and captain Rovman Powell must display their character on the field every matchday this year. To support them, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, and Alzarri Joseph also need to step up.
Papua New Guinea enter this World Cup with no expectations, being ranked 20th in the latest ICC T20I rankings. Their head coach, Tatenda Taibu, who was once an IPL player, understands that his team is here to gain experience by facing some of the most formidable forces in the game and to learn lessons for the future.
Among the many names, keep an eye on Tony Ura and Charles Amini. Ura is the only PNG batter to have scored a century in T20Is, while Amini, the leg-spinner, could cause significant trouble in Caribbean conditions if he is in form.
West Indies vs PNG match timings
Local time: 10:30am
GMT: 2:30pm (June 2)
PST: 7:30 pm (June 2)
Squads
West Indies: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd
Papua New Guinea: Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura
Prediction
Viewing the experience home side West Indies have, they are clear favourites to dominate PNG.
