WI vs PNG Highlights, T20 World Cup 2024: West Indies beat PNG by 5 wickets after surviving big scare

Right then, that is it from this entertaining game where West Indies just about manages to get past Papua New Guinea. Next up in the T20 World Cup will be a game between Namibia and Oman on 3rd June, Monday. That match will begin at 6 am IST (12.30 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the same. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Rovman Powell, the victorious skipper of West Indies is up for a chat. He starts by appreciating PNG for the way they played. Mentions that it was important to start well and he is happy to get the two points. Feels that they gave away 10-15 runs too many and wants to improve on that aspect. Shares that they have enjoyed playing together as a unit since he has taken over the captaincy and hopes to enjoy this tournament as a team. Lauds Roston Chase for his bowling effort as well as for his batting under pressure. Reckons that they can be better in all three departments and go back and see what they did not do well in this game while preparing for the next game.

Assad Vala, the captain of Papua New Guinea says that it was a competitive score but they missed a trick towards the end and were 10-15 runs short. Adds that he is happy how his bowlers showed fight and it was about winning the crunch moments towards the end and it is a learning for them. Mentions that this tournament is a big opportunity for them to showcase their skills against some of the big sides around the world. Ends by saying that Phil Simmons has been really helpful with the conditions, and he is very calm, and they will now want to keep the same level of energy in the next game against Uganada.

Roston Chase is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning knock. He says that he is very pleased to start the tournament with a win. Tells that he is happy to do the job for the team. Shares that it was hard for the new batter to start the innings so he tried to give himself time and back his skills. Mentions that once you got in, it was easier to bat. Further says that he has put in a lot of hard work for this event. States that no team can be taken lightly in this tournament and they went into the game with the mentality that they are facing a team like India or Australia.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, Papua New Guinea posted a well below-par total on the board. Sese Bau was the top-scorer with his fantastic half-century while Assad Vala and Kiplin Doriga added some crucial runs as well. Andre Russell and Alzarri Joseph were the most successful bowlers for West Indies with a couple of wickets each while except for Roston Chase, every other bowlers got at least one wicket. While chasing, it was not easy at all for the hosts as PNG made them work really hard for every run. However, in the end, Papua New Guinea had to suffer heartbreak but they surely won a lot of hearts all around the world.

Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, should be extremely pleased with their bowling effort as they pushed the Windies to their limits. Alei Nao was brilliant with the new ball and bowled a wicket-maiden first and should have had Nicholas Pooran as well. However, their spinners were exceptional in the middle overs giving nothing away to the batters and picked up crucial wickets as well taking the game deep and making the hosts work hard for every run. Chad Soper and John Kariko chipped in with one wicket each. Their skipper, Assad Vala was fantastic in his first three overs, giving just 10 runs and getting two wickets but in the 18th over, he gave away 18 runs that tilted the game back in favour of the hosts and they couldn't really recover from that. Their ground fielding was a bit sloppy, and they gave away a few boundaries that proved to be really costly for them in the end.

West Indies suffered an early blow losing Johnson Charles quite early with not much on the board. Things could have been worse if Papua New Guinea took a review as Nicholas Pooran was out LBW but got a reprieve. However, Brandon King looked like he was batting on a different surface as he was only dealing in boundaries while Pooran was struggling to get ball on bat. Nikky P played a few lusty blows in the last over of Powerplay and the duo added 53 runs together with the hosts firmly in control of the game. The momentum suddenly shifted with the wickets of both set batters in quick succession. It became really hard for the middle order to score runs, and they kept losing wickets at regular intervals as well which didn't help their cause. Roston Chase held one end, losing partners at the other, but didn't throw his wicket away and finally found support from Andre Russell. They changed gears at the right time with Dre Russ playing second fiddle while Chase smashed 42 off just 27 balls to take his side home.

WEST INDIES SURVIVES A MASSIVE SCARE! This game never should have gone this far but credit goes to Papua New Guinea for their fight and determination to put up good challenge to the hosts. There was a little moment when it looked like they could pull off an upset, but their lack of experience combined with the firepower of West Indies proved too much to handle.

18.6: Kabua Morea to Andre Russell, THAT'S IT! Roston Chase and Andre Russell get the job done. Kabua hurls it full and on middle, Andre Russell gets his bat out in front of the pads and flicks it towards wide long on for a run. West Indies win by 5 wickets and get their home World Cup campaign off to a winning start. Although they have ended up on the losing side, Papua New Guinea have sent a strong warning to the rest of the teams in Group C that they are no pushovers.

18.5: Kabua Morea to Roston Chase, Scores level now. Dishes out a fullish delivery, outside off, Roston Chase squeezes it out with an open bat face in front of short third for a quick single.

18.4: Kabua Morea to Roston Chase, FOUR! Two in two from Roston Chase and West Indies are just a hit away now. Kabua Morea goes searching for the yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, angling away, on off, Roston Chase opens up his front hip and with a still head, goes inside out over cover for four more runs. Just 2 needed now.

18.3: Kabua Morea to Roston Chase, FOUR! Intelligent batting! Hurls it on a length, outside off, Roston Chase gets down on one knee and swats it aerially but in the vacant deep backward square leg region for a boundary.

18.2: Kabua Morea to Andre Russell, Gets the yorker in does Morea from over the wicket, around off, Andre Russell gets behind the line and pushes it down to long on for one.

18.1: Kabua Morea to Andre Russell, Serves it near the tramline on off, full in length, Andre Russell reaches out and carves it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

17.6: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, FOUR! A six and a four to close out the over. 18 runs off it and the balance of power completely in the favour of West Indies. Vala pulls his length back and bowls it around middle, Roston Chase gets on the back foot and thumps it flat towards long on. Hits it to the left of the long on fielder and picks up a boundary. Just 13 runs needed off the last 2 overs.

17.5: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, SIX! BANG! Launched down the ground! Vala misses his mark as he offers width and serves it right in the slot, Roston Chase swings through the line and pumps it over long off for a biggie.

17.4: Assad Vala to Andre Russell, A bit quicker from Vala and full as well, on off, Andre Russell plays it with a straight bat down to long off for a single.

17.3: Assad Vala to Andre Russell, Bowls it full and on off, Andre Russell drives it to the left of long off for a couple of runs.

17.2: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, Angling in, full and at the stumps, clipped through mid-wicket for a run.

17.1: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, FOUR! Oh, no! A misfield in the deep and it races away. Vala serves it around the pads, short in length, Roston Chase swats it towards deep backward square leg where the fielder lets it slip through his legs for a boundary.

16.6: John Kariko to Andre Russell, SIX! Andre Russell goes HUGE! Does not need many deliveries to have a look. A maximum off the last ball spoils what was turning out to be a quiet over from Kariko. Drops it short and on middle, Andre Russell hammers the pull from the crease and it sails over deep square leg for a maximum.

16.5: John Kariko to Andre Russell, Serves it right up, on middle, Andre Russell clips it wide of long on for a couple of runs.

16.4: John Kariko to Andre Russell, Angling into the pads, on a nagging length, Andre Russell swings to heave it away but misses as the ball hits him on the thigh pad.

16.3: John Kariko to Andre Russell, This is short and around off, Andre Russell hangs back and dabs it to point.

16.2: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Keeps it full and around off, Roston Chase drives it through covers and gets to the other end.

16.1: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Full and on off, driven straight to cover by Chase.

Andre Russell comes out to the middle with his side in a spot of bother.

15.6: Assad Vala to Sherfane Rutherford, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Assad Vala has done it again for his side! West Indies have lost half their side and will start to feel the pressure now. Stays around the wicket and bowls it quicker and shorter, around off, Sherfane Rutherford is late on the pull as the ball zips throgh and catches the bottom edge of his bat. It goes onto to hit the left thigh of the keeper, Kiplin Doriga and he just about manages to hold on and does not let the ball pop out.

15.5: Assad Vala to Sherfane Rutherford, Pushes it through, short and outside off, Sherfane Rutherford goes on the back foot and stabs it down on the off side.

15.4: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, Strays on the pads, short as well, Roston Chase has a swipe across the line but toe-ends his shot to deep mid-wicket for one.

15.3: Assad Vala to Sherfane Rutherford, This is on a nagging length again but closer to the off-stump line, Sherfane Rutherford stands tall and punches it wide of deep cover for one.

15.2: Assad Vala to Sherfane Rutherford, Almost dragged it back onto the stumps! Bowls it flat and short from around the wicket, Sherfane Rutherford goes for the cut but gets an inside edge back onto his boots.

15.1: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, Goes full and straight, at the stumps, knocked down to long on for a single by Chase.

14.6: Charles Amini to Roston Chase, Short and on middle, Roston Chase punches it to long on for one. West Indies need 43 runs to win in the last 5 overs!

14.5: Charles Amini to Roston Chase, SIX! BANG! Roston Chase goes big now! Gives this one some more air, full and around off, Roston Chase goes down on one knee, fetches it and slog-sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

14.4: Charles Amini to Sherfane Rutherford, Just wide! Flighted, full and on off, Sherfane Rutherford drives it uppishly as the ball just goes wide of the diving bowler to long off. They cross.

14.3: Charles Amini to Sherfane Rutherford, Quicker, short and on middle, turns in, Sherfane Rutherford moves back and pushes it back to the bowler.

14.2: Charles Amini to Sherfane Rutherford, Floated, full and on middle, Sherfane Rutherford blocks it out on the front foot.

14.1: Charles Amini to Roston Chase, Tossed up, full and on off, Roston Chase drives it to long off for a single.

Sherfane Rutherford walks out to bat now.

13.6: Chad Soper to Rovman Powell, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A massive wicket for Papua New Guinea! Chad Soper gets the opposition skipper and the game just got more interesting here in Guyana. This one is on a hard length and around off, Rovman Powell stays back to slog it across the line but gets a slight bottom edge behind where Kiplin Doriga, standing up to the stumps, takes a sharp catch. The umpire gives it but Powell reviews it right away. However, UltraEdge shows a clear spike and he will have to walk back to the hut now.

13.5: Chad Soper to Rovman Powell, Goes a bit fuller now, on middle, Rovman Powell pushes it back to the bowler.

13.4: Chad Soper to Roston Chase, Length again, on off, Roston Chase pushes it through covers for a run.

13.3: Chad Soper to Rovman Powell, On a length and on middle, Rovman Powell nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

13.2: Chad Soper to Rovman Powell, Fuller one and on leg, Rovman Powell flicks it away nicely wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

13.1: Chad Soper to Rovman Powell, FOUR! Much-needed for West Indies! Short of a length and on off, Rovman Powell stays back, shows unreal strength to swat it over the bowler for a boundary. Chad Soper does well to get his head down or else it could have been lethal.

12.6: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Fires in a yorker now, on off, Roston Chase squeezes it out to short third man.

12.5: John Kariko to Rovman Powell, Looped up, full and on leg, Rovman Powell lobs it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

12.4: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Flighted, full and on off, Roston Chase drives it to long off for a single.

12.3: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Three dots in a row now! Fires this one full and on middle, Roston Chase drills it to short covers. Pressure building!

12.2: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Quicker, full and on off, Roston Chase steers it to point again.

12.1: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Floated, full and on middle, Roston Chase guides it to point.

11.6: Assad Vala to Rovman Powell, Arm-ball now, quick, full and on middle, Rovman Powell only manages to block it out.

11.5: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, Flighted, full and on middle, Roston Chase chips it to long on for one.

11.4: Assad Vala to Rovman Powell, Flatter, short and on off, Rovman Powell punches it to long off for a run.

11.3: Assad Vala to Rovman Powell, MISFIELD AND FOUR! Papua New Guinea cannot afford this! Short again and on middle, Rovman Powell rocks back and pulls it away wide of deep square leg, the fielder gets behind it but lets it through his legs for a boundary.

11.2: Assad Vala to Rovman Powell, Drags his length back, on middle, Rovman Powell uses his feet and knocks it to short mid-wicket.

11.1: Assad Vala to Roston Chase, A low full toss, on middle, Roston Chase tries to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground to long off for a single.

10.6: Charles Amini to Roston Chase, Another short delivery, on off, Roston Chase forces it through covers for one more.

10.5: Charles Amini to Rovman Powell, Short again, on off, Rovman Powell stays back and punches it long on for one.

10.4: Charles Amini to Rovman Powell, Quicker, short and around off, Rovman Powell tries to cut but stabs it down to cover-point.

10.3: Charles Amini to Roston Chase, Tossed up, full and on middle, Roston Chase eases it towards long off for another run.

10.2: Charles Amini to Rovman Powell, A loopy full toss, on off, Rovman Powell drills it towards deep point for just a run.

10.1: Charles Amini to Roston Chase, Charles Amini starts with a shortish delivery, on off, Roston Chase looks to push it away but gets a bottom edge past the bowler for a single.

9.6: Assad Vala to Rovman Powell, Nicely floated up, full and on off, Rovman Powell gets on the front foot to work it across the line. He goes through his shot early and gets a soft leading edge towards cover. Sensational stuff from Assad Vala, a wicket-maiden.

Drinks! Papua New Guinea have got the breakthrough just at the right time and they will look to build on that and put pressure on the middle order and take the game as deep as possible. West Indies were cruising through but losing both the set batters is a big blow as this is a tricky wicket for the new batters. They need just one more good partnership and they will get over the line. Also, Rovman Powell is the next man in.

9.5: Assad Vala to Brandon King, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Brandon King succumbs to the pressure of dots! Immediate impact for the PNG skipper. Vala cleverly slows it up and offers flight, full and on middle, tempting the batter to hit against the wind towards the longer square boundary on the leg side. Brandon King falls for the trap as he gets down to nail the slog sweep. Gets done in the flight and skies it high in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Lega Siaka settles himself under it and takes a safe catch. Both set batters for Windies back in the hut and PNG have their tails up now.

9.4: Assad Vala to Brandon King, Make that four dots in a row! Attacks the stumps and this is on a nagging length, Brandon King hurriedly jabs it to mid-wicket.

9.3: Assad Vala to Brandon King, Three dots in a row! Short and on off, played off the back foot to cover again by King.

9.2: Assad Vala to Brandon King, A bit slower and shorter, on off, Brandon King waits on the back foot to play at it but the ball stops a bit. King pats it to cover.

9.1: Assad Vala to Brandon King, Begins on a nagging length, outside off, Brandon King pushes it to cover.

8.6: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Nicely bowled! Gets the ball to angle back into the right-hander, around off and on a nagging length, Roston Chase plays for the ball angling into him but it pitches and turns away slightly to beat the bat.

8.5: John Kariko to Brandon King, Sliding onto the pads, on a nagging length, Brandon King nudges it through square leg off his pads and rotates the strike.

8.4: John Kariko to Brandon King, Gets the ball to skid through, flat and outside off, Brandon King shapes up for the cut but the ball zips under the bat.

8.3: John Kariko to Brandon King, Slower and fuller, on middle, Brandon King gets forward and defends it out on the off side.

8.2: John Kariko to Roston Chase, Leg bye! Pushes it through, angling in, on middle and leg, Roston Chase tries to push it down the ground but gets beaten on the angle. The ball rolls off his thigh pad and rolls to short third for a leg bye.

Roston Chase comes out to the middle now.

8.1: John Kariko to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! TAKEN! John Kariko is ecstatic as are his teammates! A favourable match-up for Nicholas Pooran but it does not quite come off for him. Kariko bowls from around the wicket and tosses it up, full and on middle, Nicholas Pooran skips down the track to slog it with the turn. Gets too close to the ball and fails to get the desired elevarion. Hits it straight down the throat of Tony Ura at wide long on who takes it near his chest.

7.6: Chad Soper to Brandon King, Keeps it full and on off, Brandon King plants his foot forward and drives well but can't get it past the man on the ring at extra cover.

7.5: Chad Soper to Nicholas Pooran, Fuller in length but the line stays on the pads, clipped through square leg for a run by Pooran.

7.4: Chad Soper to Brandon King, Gets the line wrong as this is around the thigh pad, Brandon King gets inside the line and whips it through mid-wicket for one.

7.3: Chad Soper to Brandon King, Good running! Slanting into the pads, on a short of a length, Brandon King rolls his wrists and tucks it in front of square on the leg side for two runs.

7.2: Chad Soper to Brandon King, On the sixth stump line, on a length, Brandon King gets the weight on the front foot but can only push it back to the bowler.

7.1: Chad Soper to Brandon King, A hint of away movement, on a good length, outside off, Brandon King frees his arms and firms the drive to cover.

6.6: John Kariko to Nicholas Pooran, Good effort on the boundary! Serves it on a short of a length, just outside off, Nicholas Pooran waits on it and glides it wide of short third. The fielder gives it a chase and pulls it back. Two runs taken.

6.5: John Kariko to Nicholas Pooran, Too straight and too short, on the pads, Nicholas Pooran crouches and swivels to pull it to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

6.4: John Kariko to Nicholas Pooran, This is flat and short, on the off-stump line, Nicholas Pooran cuts it late but finds the man at backward point.

6.3: John Kariko to Nicholas Pooran, Slows it up and offers flight, full and on off, Nicholas Pooran uses his feet and nudges it to mid-wicket.

6.2: John Kariko to Nicholas Pooran, Angles it into the left-hander from around the wicket, on the pads and on a nagging length, Nicholas Pooran misses out on a swipe across the line and gets hit on the thigh pad.

6.1: John Kariko to Brandon King, Kariko begins on a short length, outside off, Brandon King stands tall and knocks it down to long off for a single.

5.6: Sese Bau to Nicholas Pooran, Bowls it from wide of the crease and bowls it flat and short, around off, Nicholas Pooran is unable to free his arms as he looks to play the cut shot. Chops it beside the pitch on the off side. Just the kind of finish to the Powerplay, West Indies would have hoped for. 18 runs off Bau's first over and Windies are 52/1 at the end of the Powerplay.

5.5: Sese Bau to Brandon King, Turning into the pads, on a nagging length, turned through mid-wicket for a run by King.

5.4: Sese Bau to Nicholas Pooran, Drags his length back and it is quicker as well, on off, Nicholas Pooran punches it with a straight bat to mid off for a single.

5.3: Sese Bau to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! Nicholas Pooran is taking a liking to Sese Bau's off-spin! Bau continues to give the ball air and bowls it on off, Nicholas Pooran advances down the track but the ball is not full enough for the big shot. He has to reach out and drags the lofted stroke over long on for half a dozen.

5.2: Sese Bau to Nicholas Pooran, FOUR! Uses his feet again and finds the fence again! Bau loops it up, full and on off, Nicholas Pooran skips down the track and takes it on the full. Thumps it back over Bau's head for a boundary.

5.1: Sese Bau to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! BANG! This should help Nicholas Pooran feel a lot better! Sese Bau starts with a flighted delivery from around the wicket, full and outside off, Nicholas Pooran shimmies down the track and tonks it back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

4.6: Chad Soper to Brandon King, EDGED AND FOUR! Chad Soper continues with the fuller length, on the fifth stump line, Brandon King looks for the drive but gets a thin outside edge past the keeper and to the third man fence for yet another boundary for him.

4.5: Chad Soper to Nicholas Pooran, Another full delivery, on off, Nicholas Pooran drills it to mid off for a run.

4.4: Chad Soper to Nicholas Pooran, Goes fuller and on middle, Nicholas Pooran goes for the lofted stroke, but fails to get the timing right as the ball goes over mid on and sticks to the outfield. Two runs taken.

4.3: Chad Soper to Nicholas Pooran, Back of a length and on off, Nicholas Pooran dabs it to point.

4.2: Chad Soper to Nicholas Pooran, On a length and around off, Nicholas Pooran looks to push it away but slices it on the bounce to short third man.

4.1: Chad Soper to Nicholas Pooran, Chad Soper starts with a full delivery, on leg, Nicholas Pooran misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Chad Soper comes into the attack as the first change.

3.6: Alei Nao to Brandon King, FOUR! Another one! Brandon King moves to 24 and all of his runs have come in boundaries. Short of a length and outside off, Brandon King gets on top of the bounce and crunches it wide of deep point for four more runs.

3.5: Alei Nao to Brandon King, FOUR! Brandon King connects this time alright! Back of a length and on off, Brandon King comes down the track, reaches for it a bit and smashes it through covers for a boundary.

3.4: Alei Nao to Brandon King, Swing and a miss! Alei Nao hits the hard length this time, on leg, angling in, Brandon King uses his feet to loft it away but gets cramped up and misses.

3.3: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, Pitched up, on off, Nicholas Pooran gently blocks it as the ball rolls in front of short covers, the batters scampers across for a quick single.

3.2: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, Full again and on middle and leg, shaping in, Nicholas Pooran goes down to slog it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Pooran is really struggling to read Nao here!

3.1: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, Fuller delivery, on middle, takes pace off as well, Nicholas Pooran knocks it down the pitch.

2.6: Kabua Morea to Nicholas Pooran, Slower this time, length again and on off, Nicholas Pooran steers it wide of point for a single and gets off the mark.

2.5: Kabua Morea to Nicholas Pooran, Hits the good length and just around off, shaping away a bit, Nicholas Pooran tries to have a feel of it but misses.

2.4: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, Overpitched, on leg, Brandon King tries to flick but misses, the ball goes off his pads towards short fine leg. The batters crosses for a leg bye.

2.3: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, FOUR! Brandon King only dealing in boundaries here! Back of a length and just outside off, Brandon King lets it come to him, makes room and cuts it away through point for four more runs.

2.2: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, Full again and on middle, shaping in a bit, Brandon King looks to play at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. That saves him there.

2.1: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, FOUR! Good shot! Fuller and on off, Brandon King strides out and drives it aerially from the middle of the bat, the ball flies past mid off for a boundary.

1.6: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, A wicket-maiden over! Excellent from Alei Nao! He bowls this on a hard length, outside off, angling away, Nicholas Pooran tries to guide it away but misses.

1.5: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, Nicholas Pooran shows intent right after the break! Alei Nao pitches it up, on leg, Nicholas Pooran uses his feet to heave it away but misses and gets hit around the thigh pads as the ball rolls to short fine leg. Pooran wants the run but is sent back.

The sun is out, and we are all set for the play to resume. The two umpires have made their way out to the middle, as have the players of Papua New Guinea. Brandon King and Nicholas Pooran stride out to resume their innings. Alei Nao is at the top of his mark, and he will finish his over. Off we go...

UPDATE - 10.06 pm IST (4.36 pm GMT) - Good news! As we had hoped, the rain has subsided and the ground staff have started to take the covers off. The match officials have made their way out to the middle to inspect the outfield and they are satisfied with the conditions. Play will restart at 10.15 pm IST (4.45 pm GMT).

UPDATE - 9.55 pm IST (4.25 pm GMT) - The intensity of the rain has increased, and the umpires converge to have a chat. They feel that the rain is heavy enough, and the ground staff are asked to come on with the covers. The entire square has been covered, but this looks to be just a passing shower, so, stick around.

1.4: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, Another huge shout for LBW, but turned down! Alei Nao hits the hard length, on middle, nips back in a bit, Nicholas Pooran this time tries to flick it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads. Oh..wow! Papua New Guinea will not be wanting to look at the big screen as they misses out on a huge wicket here. They decided not to take the review but Ball Tracking shows three reds. They could have gotten Nikky P for a duck and put even more pressure on the Windies.

1.3: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, On a length and on off, angling away, Nicholas Pooran leaves it alone.

1.2: Alei Nao to Nicholas Pooran, Touch fuller and around off, shaping away, Nicholas Pooran withdraws his bat at the last moment.

Nicholas Pooran makes his way out to the centre.

1.1: Alei Nao to Johnson Charles, OUT! LBW! Alei Nao draws first blood straightaway! He gets rid of Johnson Charles for a golden duck here. This one is on a good length and on middle, shaping in a bit, Johnson Charles tries to work it away but plays down the wrong line to get hit on the pads. There is a huge shout fir LBW and up goes the finger. Charles takes the review but UltraEdge confirms no bat and Ball Tracking indicates that wickets is umpire's call. Early blow to the West Indies!

It will be Alei Nao to steam in from the other end. Also, it has started to rain and has gotten slightly overcast. The ground staff are hovering around the covers near the fence, but it is just a mizzle and we carry on for now.

0.6: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, FOUR! Even better shot! Kabua Morea lands this back of a length and on middle, Brandon King picks up the length early, gets on top of it and pulls it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

0.5: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, FOUR! Brandon King and West Indies finally get underway! Hard length this time, on middle, takes pace off as well, Brandon King skips down the track again, waits for it and swats it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

0.4: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, Make that four! Pitched up and around off, Brandon King uses his feet to drive it on the up but misses, the keeper collects and puts in a underarm throw to hit the stumps but King is safe.

0.3: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, Touch fuller, on middle, shaping in again, Brandon King tucks it to short mid-wicket. Three dots in a row now!

0.2: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, This is on a good length and on off again, Brandon King knocks it towards mid off.

0.1: Kabua Morea to Brandon King, Kabua Morea starts with a full delivery, on off, shaping in, Brandon King drives it firmly but straight to short covers.

Welcome back for the chase. Papua New Guinea are in a huddle near the ropes before dispersing to take their respective field positions. They are joined by the two openers of the West Indies, Brandon King and Johnson Charles. Kabua Morea will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Papua New Guinea. Let's play...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, Papua New Guinea have gained a bit of momentum towards the end of their batting effort, but the total does not seem to be enough against the batting might of the West Indies. But as they say, cricket is a funny game, and PNG will believe, and the belief will grow stronger with a couple of early wickets. As for the West Indies, chasing 137 is in no way a tall order and if they start well, they might contemplate giving their NRR an early boost. Back in a bit for the chase.

Papua New Guinea's star with the bat, Sese Bau is in for a chat. He says that it started off a bit slow but he built up the innings well. Adds that it is his first T20 World Cup fifty and he is feeling good. Mentions that the wicket is on the slower side but it got a bit hard towards the end. Ends by saying that if their bowlers can stick to the plan, they can defend this total.

For the West Indies, it was a disciplined start to their bowling effort, with Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, and Alzarri Joseph enjoying success in the Powerplay. Rovman Powell had plenty of bowlers to choose from and rotated them well to keep a lid on the scoring rate. The partnership between Sese Bau and Charles Amini posed a threat to the Windies, but Andre Russell answered his skipper's call by breaking the stand. Despite getting rid of Bau, the West Indies could not close out the innings in a fashion they would have liked, with each of the last 3 overs going for 10 or more runs. Death bowling has been an issue for the Windies in the recent past, and it will be one aspect Rovman Powell would want his bowlers to improve on going ahead in the tournament.

Papua New Guinea finish on a high to get to 136! 37 runs came off the last 3 overs, and they will be thinking that had a couple of batters chipped in, they would have reached 150, if not beyond that mark. After being put into bat, Papua New Guinea were rocked early, losing Tony Ura and Lega Siaka inside the first two overs. Despite those twin blows, Assad Vala batted with intent and capitalised on the rare loose deliveries offered by the Windies. However, he could not kick on and perished on the last ball of the Powerplay. Sese Bau took the mantle of keeping the scoreboard ticking and found an able alley in Charles Amini. Bau soon brought up his first T20I fifty against a full member nation but followed Amini back into the hut soon after. After Bau's departure, Kiplin Doriga made sure that PNG maximized the back end of the innings through his unbeaten 18-ball 27.

19.6: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, A couple of runs to end the innings then! Alzarri Joseph serves another low full toss, on middle, Kiplin Doriga jams it out towards long on and comes back for the second run. Papua New Guinea finishes on 136/8!

19.6: Alzarri Joseph to Kabua Morea, A low full toss, on off, Kabua Morea smacks it straight to extra covers for just a single. He is dissappointed as it was there to be put way. Hold on, Alzarri Joseph has overstepped here. It is a No Ball and a Free Hit is up next...

19.5: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, Gets the yorker in, at the base of the middle stump, Kiplin Doriga gets his bat down and jams it out in front of cover for a single.

19.4: Alzarri Joseph to Kabua Morea, Another yorker, on middle, Kabua Morea digs it out towards the mid on region for one. Doriga wants the second but is sent back.

Kabua Morea walks in next.

19.3: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, OUT! RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust! A yorker now, on middle, Kiplin Doriga uses his feet and digs it off the inside edge of the bat onto his body as the ball stays on the pitch, he sets off for the run and Nao responds to it, Alzarri Joseph quickly runs forward, picks up the ball and puts in an underarm throw to break the stumps with the batter well short. Papua New Guinea lose their eighth now!

19.2: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Back of a length this time, outside off, Kiplin Doriga backs away, gets on top of that and cuts it away nicley over point for another boundary. Doriga is adding crucial runs here!

19.1: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, FOUR! Powered away! Alzarri Joseph goes full and around off, Kiplin Doriga coes down the track and absolutely crunches it through covers for a boundary.

Alei Nao is in at number 9. It will be Alzarri Joseph (3-0-20-2) to bowl the final over.

18.6: Andre Russell to Chad Soper, OUT! TIMBER! Andre Russell strikes again! He delivers another pin-point yorker, on middle, Chad Soper unlike his partner is late to put his bat down in time, the ball goes under his bat and rattle the stumps. Papua New Guinea seven down now!

18.5: Andre Russell to Kiplin Doriga, Andre Russell nails the yorker now, on middle, Kiplin Doriga does well to dig it out to the off side and steals a run.

18.4: Andre Russell to Kiplin Doriga, Slower, back of a length and around off, Kiplin Doriga slaps it wide of long off this time for another couple of runs.

18.3: Andre Russell to Kiplin Doriga, Overpitched and on middle, Kiplin Doriga drags it wide of long on and scamper back for the second run. This is brilliant running from the batters!

18.2: Andre Russell to Chad Soper, Change of pace, full and on off, Chad Soper pushes it towards covers for a single.

18.1: Andre Russell to Chad Soper, FOUR! A bit streaky but PNG won't mind one bit! Full and around off, Chad Soper goes for the big drive on the up, but gets an inside edge just past the stump and to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

17.6: Romario Shepherd to Kiplin Doriga, Slower again, full and on off, Kiplin Doriga uses his feet and drills it hard wide of long off for another brace.13 runs off the over!

17.5: Romario Shepherd to Chad Soper, Short of a length and on middle, Chad Soper pulls it through square leg for a run.

17.4: Romario Shepherd to Kiplin Doriga, A low full toss, on off, Kiplin Doriga drills it away wide of sweeper covers, Alzarri Joseph runs a long way to his right, dives and keeps it inside. Three runs taken.

17.3: Romario Shepherd to Kiplin Doriga, FOUR! Good shot! Romario Shepherd bowls a slower one, short and on middle, Kiplin Doriga reads it early, waits for it and pulls it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

17.2: Romario Shepherd to Chad Soper, Fuller one and on middle, Chad Soper tries to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.

17.1: Romario Shepherd to Chad Soper, Good running! On a length and on middle, Chad Soper tucks it with soft hands towards the mid-wicket region and comes back for the second run, Romario Shepherd himself has to chase after it but throws it well over the keeper's head.

16.6: Alzarri Joseph to Chad Soper, Good length, angling into the body of the batter, Chad Soper gets cramped up but manages to clip it towards square leg for a run.

16.5: Alzarri Joseph to Chad Soper, Pitches it up, on off, Chad Soper drives it straight to mid off.

16.4: Alzarri Joseph to Chad Soper, Back of a length and on middle, Chad Soper pats it down to the off side.

Chad Soper is the new man in.

16.3: Alzarri Joseph to Sese Bau, OUT! BOWLED'EM! FIFTY AND OUT for Sese Bau! Alzarri Joseph gets his second of the match. He rolls his fingers this time to take pace off, on middle, gets some grip off the surface as it turns awaya bit, Sese Bau moves a long way to the leg side to cut it away, but gets beaten by the lack of pace as the ball goes through to shatter the stumps. Papua New Guinea six down now!

16.2: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, Hard length, on middle, Kiplin Doriga heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

16.1: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, Back of a length and on off, Kiplin Doriga makes room to cut it away but misses, there is a sound when the ball passes the bat but the UltraEdge shows a spike and confirms that it hit the stumps. Lucky for Doriga!

16.1: Alzarri Joseph to Kiplin Doriga, Goes full but down the leg side, Kiplin Doriga misses his flick. It is called a wide. West Indies have given away too many extras here.

15.6: Roston Chase to Kiplin Doriga, Turning in, on a nagging length, on middle, Kiplin Doriga stays back and nudges it to mid-wicket for a single. Just two runs off the over then!

15.5: Roston Chase to Kiplin Doriga, Pushes it through, full and on middle, played back to the bowler by Kiplin Doriga.

15.4: Roston Chase to Kiplin Doriga, Quicker, full and on middle, Kiplin Doriga tucks it to mid-wicket.

15.3: Roston Chase to Kiplin Doriga, Flighted, full and on leg, Kiplin Doriga nudges it to short fine leg.

15.2: Roston Chase to Kiplin Doriga, Floated, full and on middle, Kiplin Doriga turns into the leg side.

15.1: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, FIFTY FOR BAU! A fine knock from and the whole PNG team is applauding him. Tossed up, full and on middle, Sese Bau clips it through mid-wicket for a single. Papua New Guinea needed someone to step up and they will hope that Bau can stay there till the end.

Kiplin Doriga walks out to bat now. Also, Roston Chase to bowl out here.

14.6: Andre Russell to Charles Amini, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Andre Russell breaks through for the West Indies! 50th T20I wicket for the Windies all-rounder. Russell serves a cross-seam delivery, into the deck and over off, Charles Amini is cramped for room as he shapes up to run it down to deep third. Gets undone by the extra bounce and gets a feather on it which is snaffled safely by Nicholas Pooran behind the wicket. End of a flourishing stand for Papua New Guinea.

14.5: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Length delivery, on the pads, Sese Bau clips it through square leg and gets to the other end.

14.4: Andre Russell to Charles Amini, Slips in a pacy yorker at 132.9 kph, on middle, Charles Amini jams it out in front of cover for another single.

14.3: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Takes pace off and bowls it on a back of a length, on off, Sese Bau guides it wide of backward point for one.

14.2: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Short and wide on off, Sese Bau throws his hands at it but fails to connect.

14.1: Andre Russell to Charles Amini, Russell bangs it into the deck, over middle, Charles Amini rides the bounce well and pulls it to deep backward square leg for one.

13.6: Alzarri Joseph to Charles Amini, BUZZERS! Sloppy from the Windies. Pitched by Joseph, on off, Charles Amini leans onto the drive and drives it to the left of deep point. Amini comes back for the second run but the throw at the bowling end is not backed up well neither by Joseph nor by Rovman Powell and it rolls away to deep mid-wicket for one more run. Back-to-back fruitful overs for Papua New Guinea. 23 runs off the last two overs.

13.5: Alzarri Joseph to Sese Bau, Hurls it around the fifth stump line, on a good length, Sese Bau steers it to the right of backward point where Roston Chase dives to his right and cuts it off. They cross.

13.4: Alzarri Joseph to Sese Bau, FOUR! Not in control but Sese Bau will take it! Digs it in short, over middle, Sese Bau gets rushed as he attempts the pull and the ball gets big on him. Gets a top edge that sails over the keeper's head for a boundary.

13.3: Alzarri Joseph to Sese Bau, Play and a miss! This is on a back of a length, outside off, Sese Bau tries to latch onto the width but the ball keeps a bit low and goes on the bounce to the keeper, Nicholas Pooran.

13.2: Alzarri Joseph to Charles Amini, Lands it on a back of a length, on off, Charles Amini gets on his toes and dabs it beside the deck on the off side for a run.

13.1: Alzarri Joseph to Charles Amini, Angling across, on a length, outside off, Charles Amini walks across and shapes up for the scoop but fails to get any bat on it.

12.6: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Switches to over the wicket and bowls it at the stumps, Sese Bau defends it out with a straight bat. A much-needed productive over for Papua New Guinea, 14 runs off it.

12.5: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, FOUR! Brandon King should have done better there. Fires it in full and on off, Sese Bau extends his hands and firms the drive straight to King at extra cover who lets it slip through his hands and it races away.

12.4: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, SIX! Excellent use of the feet again by Bau and he gets the maximum reward this time. Motie tosses it up and bowls it on middle, full in length, Sese Bau shimmies down the track and hits it with the turn and swats it over wide long on for a biggie.

12.3: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Pushes it through, flat and full, on off, Sese Bau plays it square to point.

12.2: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, FOUR! Thumped down the ground! Motie offers flight and serves it on off, Sese Bau uses his feet and converts it into a half-volley. Drills it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

12.1: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Dishes it out on a fullish length, on off, Sese Bau digs it out back to the bowler.

11.6: Romario Shepherd to Sese Bau, Tucks the batter up for room as he bowls it on middle and leg, on a short of a good length, Sese Bau whips it behind square on the leg side for another single.

11.5: Romario Shepherd to Charles Amini, Drop and run! Serves it on a good length, on off, Charles Amini gets on his toes and pats it in front of point for a run.

11.4: Romario Shepherd to Sese Bau, Leg bye! Strays on the pads, on a length, Sese Bau fails to get the shot away behind square on the leg side. The ball drops his pads on the leg side and the batters cross over.

11.3: Romario Shepherd to Charles Amini, Bangs it on a hard length, on middle, Charles Amini hops back and hurriedly flicks it to short fine leg and calls Sese Bau through for a quick single.

11.2: Romario Shepherd to Sese Bau, Angling into the left-hander, on a good length, on middle, Sese Bau swats it to deep square leg for a single.

11.1: Romario Shepherd to Sese Bau, Starts a new spell from around the wicket and bowls it from wide of the crease, on a length, outside off, Sese Bau dabs it square but straight to backward point.

10.6: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Errs slightly in line as this is on the pads, on a nagging length, Sese Bau swivels in his crease nicely and pulls it through backward square leg. Keeps the strike with a single.

10.5: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Fractionally short, on off, Sese Bau gets on the back foot and cuts it behind square on the off side for a couple of runs.

10.4: Gudakesh Motie to Charles Amini, Keeps it full and on off, Charles Amini drops it with soft hands in front of cover for a single.

10.3: Gudakesh Motie to Charles Amini, Flatter and fuller, outside off, Charles Amini gets on the front foot to block it out but the ball slants in and sneaks past the inside edge.

10.2: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Floats it up and it is on off, Sese Bau knocks it down to long off for a single.

10.1: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Tosses it up, full and turning in, around off, Sese Bau goes for the drive but the ball spins in and goes past the inside edge.

Drinks break! The West Indies have been disciplined in the first 10 overs and have 4 wickets to show for their efforts. Rovman Powell has rotated his bowlers well, and they have not allowed the PNG batters to settle. As for Papua New Guinea, they have lost wickets at regular intervals and need a partnership here to steady the ship. Sese Bau has batted with intent so far, but runs will need to flow from the other end as well to take the team to a respectable total.

9.6: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, Short and around off, Sese Bau moves back and punches it through covers for one more.

9.5: Roston Chase to Charles Amini, Flatter, full and on middle, Charles Amini clips it through square leg for one.

9.4: Roston Chase to Charles Amini, Flighted, full and on off, Charles Amini knocks it back towards the bowler.

9.3: Roston Chase to Charles Amini, A bit short and on off, Charles Amini taps it in front of point, there is a bit of a mix-up between the batters but no harm done.

9.2: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, Floated, full and on off, Sese Bau goes down and sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single.

9.1: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, Tossed up, full and on off, Sese Bau uses his feet and lofts it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

8.6: Gudakesh Motie to Charles Amini, Looped up, full and on leg, Charles Amini goes down and paddles it away towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Charles Amini comes out to the middle.

8.5: Gudakesh Motie to Hiri Hiri, OUT! TAKEN! Gudakesh Motie strikes in his first over once again! He gives this one some more flight, full and on off, Hiri Hiri goes down and tries to go for the reverse sweep but goes through his shot a bit early, the ball takes the top edge onto the keeper's pads and loops up, Rovman Powell at first slip takes a dolly. There is an appeal and the finger goes up. Papua New Guinea four down now!

8.4: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Tossed up, full and on off, Sese Bau uses his feet and swipes it away to deep mid-wicket for another run.

8.3: Gudakesh Motie to Hiri Hiri, Flighted, full and on off again, Hiri Hiri goes inside out and drives it through covers for a run.

8.2: Gudakesh Motie to Hiri Hiri, Flatter, full and around off, Hiri Hiri steers it straight to point.

8.1: Gudakesh Motie to Sese Bau, Gudakesh Motie begins with a floated delivery, full and on off, Sese Bau pushes it wide of covers where the fielder dives to his left to make a half-stop. They cross.

Gudakesh Motie has been handed the ball now.

7.6: Roston Chase to Hiri Hiri, Slows it up, full and on off, turns in sharply, Hiri Hiri defends it on the front foot.

7.5: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, Goes short and on off, Sese Bau moves back and heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

7.4: Roston Chase to Hiri Hiri, Flighted, full and on middle, Hiri Hiri tucks it through square leg for a run.

7.4: Roston Chase to Hiri Hiri, Quicker, short and on middle, turning into leg, Hiri Hiri misses his flick. Wided.

7.3: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, Short again and around off, Sese Bau moves back and punches it through covers for a single.

7.2: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, Floated, short and on off, Sese Bau dabs it down to the off side.

7.1: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, FOUR! Excellent use of the feet! Tossed up around off, Sese Bau skips down the track to get to the pitch of it, lofts it away wide of long off for another boundary.

6.6: Akeal Hosein to Hiri Hiri, Flatter, full and on middle, Hiri Hiri blocks it out.

6.5: Akeal Hosein to Sese Bau, Flighted, full and on middle, Sese Bau goes down and sweeps it through square leg for a run.

6.4: Akeal Hosein to Sese Bau, Darts this one full, on middle, Sese Bau turns it to the leg side.

6.3: Akeal Hosein to Sese Bau, FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up, full and on middle, Sese Bau changes his stance and goes for the reverse sweep, gets a bit of a bottom edge that goes past first slip and to the fence for a boudnary. Good intent!

6.2: Akeal Hosein to Sese Bau, Floated, short and on off, Sese Bau pushes it back to the bowler.

6.1: Akeal Hosein to Sese Bau, Slower through the air, short and on off, Sese Bau looks to work it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Hiri Hiri walks in at number 5. Also, Akeal Hosein (2-0-4-1) returns to the attack.

5.6: Alzarri Joseph to Assad Vala, OUT! BLINDER AT POINT! Alzarri Joseph gets his man but all the credit should go to Roston Chase for this fantastic catch. This one is back of a length, on off, Assad Vala punches it sweetly of the middle of the bat, the ball flies wide of point where Roston Chase somehow maanges to dives to his left when the ball already has gone behind him, and plucks it out of thin air to send back the opposition skipper. Papua New Guinea in a lot of trouble now!

5.5: Alzarri Joseph to Assad Vala, FOUR! Nice shot! Alzarri Joseph looks for the swing and serves this very full, on off, Assad Vala stays in his crease this time, times his on drive beautifully past mid on for another boundary.

5.4: Alzarri Joseph to Assad Vala, BEATEN! Alzarri Joseph hits the hard length, on the fifth stump line, nips away and takes off a bit as well, Assad Vala has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

5.3: Alzarri Joseph to Assad Vala, FOUR! Gets it through this time! Pitched up and around off again, Assad Vala leans on nicely on to his drive and creams it through covers for a boundary.

5.2: Alzarri Joseph to Assad Vala, Right in the blockhole this time on off, Assad Vala goes for the drive but miscues it off the bottom edge back to the bowler.

5.1: Alzarri Joseph to Assad Vala, Alzarri Joseph starts with a full delivery, outside off, Assad Vala jams it out down the pitch.

4.6: Roston Chase to Assad Vala, Drags his length back and bowls it slower through the air, on off, Assad Vala pushes it aerially but well wide of extra cover for a single.

4.6: Roston Chase to Assad Vala, WIDE! Misses his mark again does Chase, full and down leg, left alone by Assad Vala for a wide.

4.5: Roston Chase to Assad Vala, Brave leave! Loops it up does Chase, full and just around the off-stump line, Assad Vala watchfully shoulders arms.

4.4: Roston Chase to Assad Vala, Gives the ball air and serves it on off, Assad Vala smothers the spin well and defends it down the deck.

4.4: Roston Chase to Sese Bau, TWO WIDES! Chase slips down leg, on a nagging length. Sese Bau misses out on the pull. Nicholas Pooran fails to gather it cleanly to his right and concedes an extra run.

4.3: Roston Chase to Assad Vala, Good running! Floats it up, full and on off, Assad Vala gets forward and drops it with soft hands in front of point for a quick single.

4.2: Roston Chase to Assad Vala, A bit quicker but the length stays full, on off, Assad Vala gets right behind the line and blocks it out solidly.

4.1: Roston Chase to Assad Vala, SIX! Oh, hello! Assad Vala greets Chase with a maximum! Chase begins from around the wicket and bowls it full, turning away, on off, Assad Vala stays put and hits it with the turn. Goes inside out over cover for a maximum.

3.6: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Russell gets his radar right this time, full and it is on the off-stump line, Sese Bau is late on the drive and miscues the shot back towards Russell.

3.6: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, WIDE! Errs in line, on a back of a length, down leg. Wide given.

3.5: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, FOUR! Not exactly where he intended but Papua New Guinea have their first boundary. Full and angling across, on off, Sese Bau brings his bottom hand into play as he looks to go through the off side. The bat turns in his hand and the ball goes straight, back past the bowler. Rovman Powell gives it a chase but the ball wins the race.

3.4: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Pitches it up again does Russell, on off, Sese Bau plays it crisply back to the bowler.

3.3: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Slips onto the pads, on a good length, Sese Bau tries to help it away fine but the ball brushes his pads and dribbles through to the keeper.

3.2: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Keeps it full and straight, at the stumps, Sese Bau firms the straight drive back to the bowler.

3.1: Andre Russell to Sese Bau, Gets the yorker in first up, around off, Sese Bau is late to get his bat down and the ball sneaks under the bat.

2.6: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, Oh, that kept low! This is on a nagging length, outside off, Assad Vala gets rushed as he looks to play it through the off side but the ball does not rise and scoots through. Vala gets a bottom edge that goes through the legs of the keeper for a couple of runs.

2.5: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, There's that delivery that goes the other way! Hosein pulls his length back and bowls it just outside off, Assad Vala stays back in his crease and looks to defend it with a straight bat. The ball seams away off the deck and whizzes past the outside edge.

2.4: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, Coming in with the arm, on a good length, on middle, Assad Vala presses forward to keep it out but gets beaten on the inside edge and it hits him high on the front pad.

2.3: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, Fires it in on a fullish length, on middle, Assad Vala gets his bat out in front and pushes it to mid-wicket.

2.2: Akeal Hosein to Sese Bau, Gets away with it does Akeal Hosein! Too short, on middle, Sese Bau goes on the back foot and pulls it without much timing to deep square leg for a single.

Sese Bau comes out to the middle now.

2.1: Akeal Hosein to Lega Siaka, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Akeal Hosein gets into the act now! Uses the angle to perfection and gets the ball to slant back in sharply into the right-hander, on a nagging length, at the stumps, Lega Siaka opts to play it off the back foot and stays leg side of the ball. The ball nips back in off the deck and zips through to go past the angled bat before rattling into the stumps.

1.6: Romario Shepherd to Lega Siaka, Too straight again by Romario Shepherd as he strays on the pads, on a good length, Lega Siaka is late on the flick but gets enough bat on it. Works it behind square on the leg side for a single to open his account.

1.6: Romario Shepherd to Lega Siaka, WIDE! Slips it down leg, on a length, Lega Siaka misses the tickle and it is called wide by the umpire.

Lega Siaka walks out to bat at number 3.

1.5: Romario Shepherd to Tony Ura, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Romario Shepherd with the first strike for the West Indies! Bowls a proper Test match line, around the sixth stump, on a good length, Tony Ura hangs back in his crease and plays a high risk shot with a first slip in place. Tries to glide it down to deep third with an open bat face. Ends up having a tentaive prod and gets an outisde edge that goes through to the keeper, Nicholas Pooran.

1.4: Romario Shepherd to Tony Ura, Oh, a risky shot and the ball was not that far from crashing into the stumps. Hurls it on a short of a good length, at the stumps, Tony Ura goes for a short-arm jab but the ball does not rise as he would have anticipated. It sneaks under the bat and goes just over the stumps.

1.3: Romario Shepherd to Assad Vala, Assad Vala gets off the mark now! Shepherd lands it on a back of a length, on the off-stump line, Assad Vala rides the bounce well and punches it in front of square on the off side. Gets it through covers but the ball does not have enough legs to reach the boundary. Andre Russell gives it a chase and cuts it off. Three runs taken.

1.2: Romario Shepherd to Assad Vala, Play and a miss! Angling across the left-hander from over the wicket, on a hard length, Assad Vala has a poke at the away going delivery and he is lucky not to nick this one behind.

1.1: Romario Shepherd to Tony Ura, Shepherd bends his back and bangs it into the deck, over middle, Tony Ura gets on top of the bounce nicely and rolls his wrists. Plays a controlled pull shot to deep square leg for a single.

Romario Shepherd to share the attack.

0.6: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, Tosses it up but it comes out as a low full toss, on middle, Assad Vala clips it straight to mid-wicket. It was there to be put away but Vala missed out.

0.5: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, Beaten all ends up! Switches to over the wicket and gets the ball to shape away from the left-hander, full and just outside off, Assad Vala plays for the ball angling into him but this nips away and zips past the off pole.

0.4: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, Pushes it through does Akeal and goes full as well, on middle and leg, Assad Vala has a swipe across the line but gets beaten for pace and gets a hit on the pads.

0.3: Akeal Hosein to Assad Vala, Half a shout for LBW but that clearly pitched outside leg! Drops it short and keeps it at the stumps, a touch slower, Assad Vala swivels in the crease for the pull but goes through his shot a bit early and gets rapped on the pads.

0.2: Akeal Hosein to Tony Ura, Tony Ura and Papua New Guinea are away! Fires it in, full and sliding on the pads, Tony Ura tucks it off his pads in front of square leg and gets off the mark with a single.

0.1: Akeal Hosein to Tony Ura, Swing and a miss straight away! Akeal Hosein starts from around the wicket and gives the ball air nicely, full and a hint of turn, around off, Tony Ura clears his front leg and tries to go down town but fails to connect as the ball spins past the outside edge.

Done with the pre-match formalities! We can see the West Indies players in a huddle and now they spread out to take their respective field positions. Tony Ura and Assad Vala are the two openers for Papua New Guinea. The hosts are going with spin straightaway as Akeal Hosein has the new ball in hand. Let's play...

The two umpires are making their way out to the middle followed by the players of both teams who line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Papua New Guinea's first followed by the anthem of West Indies.

The captain of Papua New Guinea, Assad Vala says that they were looking to bowl first as well. Adds that despite the rain around, it looks like a good wicket. Shares that they have got the right balance and have the basics covered in terms of the team combination. Tells that the preparation has been really good over the past couple of weeks and are enjoying their time here in the Caribbean. 

Rovman Powell, the skipper of the West Indies, says that they will bowl first. Adds that the weather conditions have played a role in their decision and it is also a fresh wicket. Tells that he backs his bowling unit to adapt to the conditions and restrict their opponents. Mentions that it is a great opportunity for them to be the first host to win a Men's T20 World Cup and fulfil the promise to their people. Ends by saying that it is a typical West Indies team packed with all-rounders. Adds that Andre Russell and Romario Shepherd are the all-rounders and that they are going with three spinners.

Papua New Guinea (Playing XI) - Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Charles Amini, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Kabua Morea, John Kariko.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Roston Chase, Andre Russell, Rovman Powell (C), Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in the favour of West Indies and they have opted to BOWL first.