New West Indies Overcome PNG Challenge in World Cup Opener

The difference: Death overs

Following a fine effort by the PNG spinners in the middle overs, at the start of the death overs, both teams found themselves in a similar position - 97/5. However, West Indies power-hitting might and depth in batting came to the rescue as they wiped out the required runs in only four overs. On the contrary, despite some running in the middle, PNG couldn't find a similar acceleration.

At the toss:

West Indies won the toss and elected to field, hoping to take advantage of the fresh wicket as also the comfort of knowing the target in chase.

Powerplay: WI dominate despite Valas cameo

PNG: 34/3 (RR: 5.67; 3x4s, 1x6s)

Led by a wicket apiece from Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, and Alzarri Joseph, West Indies stamped their authority on the contest early on, on predicted lines. Skipper Assad Vala hit some delightful strokes - two boundaries and a six over extra cover - but that wasn't to take away from the domination of the hosts. His innings was cut short in the last over of the powerplay, when he authoritatively cut straight to the fielder at backward point.

Middle overs: Bau stages revival

PNG: 60/2 (RR: 6.67; 5x4s, 1x6s)

Andre Russell struck off the last ball of this phase to have Charles Amini caught behind, but it largely remained a period of revival for PNG. Led Sese Bau, who closed in on his half-century with a 44-run stand for the fifth wicket in the company of Amini. He took the attack to Gudakesh Motie in the 13th over, smashing the left-arm spinner for a couple of boundaries and a six.

Death overs: Doriga provides late flourish but PNG restricted

PNG: 42/3 (RR: 8.40; 4x4s, 0x6s)

Kiplin Dorigas flourish in the last over notwithstanding, a flurry of wickets in the death overs ensured that PNG were restricted to a sub-par total. A slower one to dismiss Bau in the 17th over, soon after he brought up his half-century proved critical to ensure the restriction as Russell picked up another wicket to complete a clinical effort with the ball for West Indies.

West Indies Powerplay: Pooran, King dominate early in chase

WI: 52/1 (RR: 8.67, 8x4s, 2x6s)

PNG struck early with Alei Nao having Johnson Charles trapped LBW for a golden duck. However, Brandon King and Nicholas Pooran ensured there was no panic. Following a rain-interruption, the duo went on the offensive against Kabua Morea and Nao. However, it was Bau who bore the brunt of their attack. In the last over of the powerplay, Pooran smashed the off-spinner for two sixes and a boundary

Middle overs: PNG spinners stifle WI

WI: 42/3 (RR: 4.67, 2x4s, 1x6s)

After a couple of quiet overs to begin the middle period, Pooran mistimed John Kariko to the long on fielder. In the next over, Vela had King dismissed and pushed in a maiden over to turn the momentum around. Rovman Powell and Chase struggled to get going early on against the spin trio of Vala, Chad Soper, and Kariko. Just when it seemed that Powell was getting a move on, he inside edged a slog to the keeper, who took a fine catch.