Chase bailed out WI when they were 94/5 at the start of the 16th over, chasing just 137. © Getty
West Indies stumbled and stuttered their way to the finish line to kickstart their home World Cup campaign with a 5-wicket win over PNG. Chasing a low target of 137 in a rain-interrupted run-chase, the hosts took 19 overs to finish the contest against a disciplined PNG unit. Roston Chase led the way with an unbeaten 27-ball 42, with several other players chipping in with bat and ball.
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 Vala’s 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 Doriga’s 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 offspinner 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
Death overs: Chase, Russell calm nerves and take WI over the line
WI: 43/1 in 4 overs (10.75; 4x4s, 2x6s)
Kariko and Vala continued to stifle the West Indians. The skipper cleaned up Rutherford and the hosts were left needing 37 off the last 19 deliveries. However, Russell got going with a slog smash for a six, and Chase picked up momentum with his innings which was tottering at 18 off the first 20 balls. Russell worked the ball around the gaps and picked a couple of twos while Chase was hitting with the breeze. Vala was taken apart for 18 in the 18th over which shifted the momentum back in West Indies’ favour and the duo ensured there was no further stutter.
Brief Scores: PNG 136/8 in 20 overs (Sese Bau 50, Kiplin Doriga 27; Andre Russell 2-19, Alzarri Joseph 2-34) lost to West Indies 137/5 in 19 overs (Roston Chase 42*, Brandon King 34; Assad Vala 2-28, Alei Nao 1-9) by 5 wickets
