‘Need to be better’: West Indies survive almighty PNG scare in opening T20 World Cup clash

Phew, that was close.

The West Indies have survived an almighty scare against Papua New Guinea in the opening Group C encounter of the T20 World Cup at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday.

The Windies stuttered and stumbled before eventually scrambling to a five-wicker win with an over to spare against their minnow opposition.

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The West Indies were set a modest target of 137 for victory but the two-time former champions made life tricky for themselves.

After some clever, disciplined bowling from the PNG attack, the West Indies slumped to 5/97 with four overs left before star all-rounder Roston Chase put the foot down as he put together a match-winning knock.

Chase blasted an unbeaten 42 runs off just 27 balls to carry his side to victory alongside T20 globetrotter Andre Russell (15* off 9) at the pointy end of the innings.

Their unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 40 came off just three overs and denied PNG one of the biggest shocks, not just in the eight editions of this tournament, but in all international cricket given that this was just their second appearance in a world tournament, having lost all three matches in their debut appearance at the 2021 T20 World Cup.

“Based on what we saw when PNG batted, it was always going to be hard for batsmen now coming in, so I gave myself some time to have the best chance possible and back my skills to get the ball away once I got in,” said Chase, who was awarded Man of the Match for his match-winning performance.

Chase was also a key contributor earlier in the match with ball in hand, finishing with economical figures of 0/26 from four overs in a spell which included 11 dot balls.

PNG captain Assad Vala was the most dangerous for his side with the ball, taking 2/28 from his four overs after seamer Alei Nao struck at the start of the West Indies chase with the wicket of Johnson Charles first ball.

That early success fired up the Papuans despite the shot-making of Brandon King (34) and Nicholas Pooran (27).

When both fell within 11 deliveries of each other and captain Rovman Powell followed, PNG sensed an upset of monumental proportions before Chase redressed the balance when joined by Russell following the swift demise of Sherfane Rutherford.

“We were 10-15 runs short of what would have been a more competitive target but after losing so many early wickets it was still a good effort,” said Valla in reflecting on the narrow loss.

“We are happy with the fight we showed in trying to defend that total. This is an opportunity for us, and we look forward to the challenge to play our best cricket in tournaments and against teams like this.”

Earlier, Sese Bau’s belligerent 50 off 43 balls (six fours, one six) represented the only meaningful contribution from PNG in totalling 136 for eight after they were put in to bat. Wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga (27 not out) and Valla (21) were the other players to get past 20 with fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Russell spearheading the West Indies effort with two wickets each.

“Credit to PNG because they played good cricket and their plans were simple, but at the end it was important for us to get the two points,” said a relieved Powell.

“We need to be better though in all three departments of the game (batting, bowling and fielding). We weren’t quite up to the standard today that we expect of ourselves, and we need to improve for the coming matches.

The West Indies’ next game is against Uganda on Sunday June 9 (AEST), while PNG will look for their first win for the tournament against Uganda on Thursday June 6 (AEST).