West Indies secured a five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in the second match of the T20 World Cup 2024, held at Guyana’s Providence Stadium. Rovman Powell’s side successfully chased the target of 136 runs set by PNG, achieving the win in 19 overs. The victory was largely attributed to a crucial sixth-wicket partnership between Roston Chase and Andre Russell.

Despite facing a shaky start, with five wickets down for 97 runs and 40 runs needed off the last four overs, Chase’s composed innings of 42* off 27 balls and Russell’s quickfire 15* off nine balls sealed the victory for West Indies. Brandon King contributed 34 runs off 29 balls, while Nicholas Pooran added 27 off 27 balls. PNG’s skipper Assad Vala was the most successful bowler for his side, claiming two wickets for 28 runs.

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Earlier in the match, West Indies bowlers kept PNG in check by taking regular wickets, restricting them to 136-8 after choosing to bowl first. The only significant partnership for PNG came from Sese Bau, who scored 50 runs off 43 balls, and Charles Amini. Andre Russell stood out with the ball for West Indies, finishing with figures of 2/19, while Alzarri Joseph also contributed with 2/34. Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, and Gudakesh Motie each took a wicket.

The playing XIs for the match were as follows:

West Indies: Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (capt), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie

PNG: Tony Ura, Assad Vala (capt), Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Charles Amini, Kipling Doriga, Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Kabua Morea, John Kariko