West Indies captain Rovman Powell accepted the team's shortcomings and emphasised the need for improvement across all departments following a tense five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in the Group C opener of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Despite PNG setting a modest target of 137, the West Indies found themselves in a precarious position throughout the rain-interrupted run chase.
It took them 19 overs to secure the win, underscoring the need for better performance. Roston Chase stood out with a crucial 27-ball 42, providing the stability and runs needed to see his team through.
"PNG's plans were simple, and they played some really good cricket. It is important to get two points in this tournament," Powell remarked during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Reflecting on the cohesion of his squad, Powell noted, "Since I turned the captain, 70% or 80% of the team has played together, so it was not a big issue."
"Roston Chase bowled pretty well, and to come out under pressure in the end and the way he played was what we needed. We are 60-70% there. We can be better in all three departments. Hopefully, we can correct that for the 2nd game," Powell added.
Powell's side chased the target in 19 overs on the back of a sixth-wicket stand between Roston Chase and Andre Russell.
West Indies had a jitter in the run chase as they lost five wickets for 97 runs and needed 40 off the last four overs.
Chase kept his nerves and steered the home side to a win with not out 27-ball 42. Russell supported with nine-ball 15*.
At the top Brandon King scored 29-ball 34 while Nicholas Pooran made 27-ball 27. Skipper Assad Vala took two wickets for the PNG by giving away 28 runs.
Earlier, West Indies didn't allow PNG to settle early as they kept taking wickets at regular intervals and restricted them to 136-8 after opting to bowl first.
The only notable partnership PNG had was of Sese Bau and Charles Amini for the fifth wicket where they scored 44 runs which gave them some momentum.
Bau was the notable batter, scoring a brilliant 43-ball 50 with the help of a six and half a dozen fours.
Skipper Assad Vala made 22-ball 21 with the help of two fours and a six.
Kiplin Doriga (27 not out) chipped in with some vital runs at the backend to take the total to 136/8.
Andre Russell was the pick of the bowlers, bagging figures of 2/19 while Alzarri Joseph took 2/34.
Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie took a wicket apiece.
- Rovman Powell
