After the USA’s stunning win against Canada in the 2024 T20 World Cup opener at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Saturday, co-hosts West Indies also began their Caribbean leg of the tournament on Sunday where they played against Papua New Guinea at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. However, the lack of spectators and empty stands at the venue left fans angry and they reacted on social media and slammed the ICC.

Meanwhile, a decent number of fans at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Saturday were present as New York hosted their international cricket for the first time. On the other hand, India played a warm-up game against Bangladesh, and West Indies, who are the two-time champions of the T20 World Cup, were welcomed by a small number of crowd in Guyana as well.

Amidst this, ICC was severely criticised, with fans on social media saying that the increased ticket price could be the reason behind the home crowd showing less interest as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma urges US Police to go easy with the pitch invader during IND vs BAN warm-up match

Fans reacted to an empty stadium

However, there are still tickets available for the much-awaited India-Pakistan game on June 9 in New York, especially for the Diamond Club, Corner Clubs, and Premium Club Lounge (North) sections. Meanwhile, one of the biggest reasons for this could be the pricing of the tickets.

“I don’t think there is enough buzz for the World Cup here as compared to India, because it hasn’t been marketed as much. I feel they could have done a lot more in terms of build-up. But I am hoping that as the tournament progresses, it will gain more interest. When you travel through areas or via airports, there’s not much buzz or hoardings.” said Prasanna Balakrishnan, who will be there in the stadium to watch all of India’s league matches in New York and Florida as well.

“When you go through an airport in a country hosting a major event like a World Cup, you get to see hoardings or other signs there for it. But I have seen from people travelling for the tournament through their X (formerly Twitter) posts that there hasn’t been much on this front,” he said. “Tournament promotions in the USA have been here and there. It has been decent, but not as much because other than the Asian population over here and in other places, I am not sure if it has reached much.”

“Time will tell about it as there are a few good games in Dallas, New York, and Florida, including matches of USA, Canada, and Nepal as well, and how they are received,” further added Prasanna.

On the other hand, a release from USA Cricket earlier this week said fans can now buy tickets for the co-hosts’ three home matches (barring the one against India) at a discount of 25% as well. The move shows the lack of buzz for the tournament as well.

Roston Chase played a quickfire knock

Meanwhile, West Indies registered a thrilling win in their T20 World Cup opener after PNG put them under pressure. But Roston Chase (42* off 27) and Andre Russell (15 off 9) kept calm and guided the team to script a five-wicket win.

Roston Chase, Player of the Match said: “Very pleased to start the tournament with a win and to take the team over the line. I knew that it was hard for the batters coming in, gave myself time and backed my skills. I watched the PNG batters, they took their time and once they got in it was easy to score.

I have worked hard, had a preparation camp in Antigua and brought that confidence into the game. We don’t want to take any team lightly, they (PNG) are here which means they are deserving, we want to play the same way we would play India or Australia.”

West Indies and Papua New Guinea (PNG) played the second match of the T20 World Cup 2024. Hosted in the picturesque Providence Stadium in Guyana, this match was highly anticipated, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.

Match Summary

West Indies emerged victorious in their opening match, chasing down a target of 137 set by PNG. Despite a few hiccups on a spin-friendly pitch, the Caribbean team showcased their resilience and depth, ultimately winning by five wickets. The match was highlighted by some stellar individual performances, notably from Sese Bau and Roston Chase, who played crucial roles for their respective teams.

See Also: ‘I would love to…’ – Gautam Gambhir on coaching India National cricket team

First Innings: Papua New Guinea’s Batting

PNG’s innings got off to a shaky start. They were in early trouble, losing two wickets for just 10 runs. Akeal Hosein cleaned up opener Lega Siaka, while Tony Ura fell to Romario Shepherd. Assad Vala attempted to stabilize the innings but was dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, leaving PNG at a precarious 34/3 during the powerplay.

Sese Bau’s Historic Fifty

Amidst the early chaos, Sese Bau held firm, playing a mature and composed innings. Bau’s half-century, the first for PNG against a full-member team in T20Is, was a historic moment. His 43-ball 50 included six and six fours, providing the backbone of PNG’s total.

Key Contributions from Other PNG Batsmen

Despite Bau’s heroics, PNG needed help to build significant partnerships. Charles Amini briefly supported Bau, and Kiplin Doriga added some valuable runs at the end with an unbeaten 27. These contributions helped PNG reach a somewhat defendable total of 136/8 in their 20 overs.

West Indies Bowling Performance

West Indies’ bowlers were clinical, making early inroads and maintaining pressure throughout the innings. Andre Russell and Alzarri Joseph were the pick of the bowlers, each taking two wickets. Russell’s figures of 2/19 and Joseph’s 2/34 were instrumental in restricting PNG’s scoring. Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, and Gudakesh Motie also chipped in with crucial wickets.

The early dismissals of Siaka and Ura set the tone for West Indies. The bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length, preventing PNG from building substantial momentum early on.

Second Innings: West Indies’ Chase

West Indies’ chase of 137 was not without its challenges. They faced early setbacks and were reduced to 97/5, making the contest more thrilling than anticipated.

West Indies’ top order struggled against PNG’s spinners. They regularly lost wickets, and key batters failed to convert their starts into substantial scores. The pressure mounted as the pitch continued to favor spin bowling.

Roston Chase emerged as the West Indies’ hero. Coming in at a critical juncture, Chase played a calculated and steady innings, ensuring that his team did not falter in the chase. His composed approach and crucial partnerships with the lower order steered the West Indies to victory.

Standout Players from Both Teams

Sese Bau stood out for PNG with his historic fifty, showcasing resilience and skill. For West Indies, Roston Chase’s match-winning innings and Andre Russell’s impactful bowling were key highlights.

Bau’s 50 was a personal milestone and a significant boost for PNG’s morale. His ability to anchor the innings and score under pressure will be remembered as a highlight of the match.

Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with a diverse mix of cricketing talent from around the globe set to clash on the field. Group C of the T20 World Cup features an intriguing three-team battle between New Zealand, West Indies, and Afghanistan for the top two spots. Additionally, the presence of Papua New Guinea and Uganda adds the potential for upsets. Each of the top three teams in this group has distinct strengths: New Zealand is a balanced squad, Afghanistan relies more on its bowlers, and West Indies has opted for a batting-heavy side.

Group C Preview

1. West Indies

Led by Rovman Powell, the West Indies team enters the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with high hopes and a formidable lineup. Despite a lackluster performance in the previous edition, the Caribbean side boasts a balanced squad with several all-rounders and big hitters capable of turning the game on its head.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024, Match 1: USA beat Canada by 7 wickets

Key Players

Rovman Powell

The all-rounder has been in excellent form since taking over captaincy duties in February 2023. The right-hander has enjoyed a promotion up to five in the order and averages close to 40 with a strike rate of 170 since the last World Cup. Powell has a strong preference for facing pace bowling through the death overs, where his strike rate jumps to 197.

Akeal Hosein

Left-arm spinner Hosein has quickly developed into a key part of the West Indies bowling attack. He is a powerplay specialist and has bowled 52% of his overs in this phase since the last World Cup, operating at a quicker and flatter trajectory than most spinners, with 65% of his deliveries above 56 mph. Right-hand batters find Hosein particularly tough to get away; he concedes under eight runs per over against his preferred match-up.

Fixtures

Sun, 2 June 2024 – West Indies v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
Sat, 8 June 2024 – West Indies v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Wed, 12 June 2024 – West Indies v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – West Indies v Afghanistan, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

West Indies: Rovman Powell (c), Alzarri Joseph, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

2. New Zealand

New Zealand approaches the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a consistent squad, highlighting their stability and well-roundedness. Led by the seasoned Kane Williamson, the Blackcaps boast a wealth of experience alongside promising young talents like Rachin Ravindra and Finn Allen. With a strong emphasis on team balance, New Zealand features a formidable pace attack led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, complemented by spin options like Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi.

Key Players

Finn Allen

The right-hander’s boundary-hitting ability in the first half of the innings is phenomenal and will be key in providing the platform to build big totals. His powerplay strike rate of 149 in this World Cup cycle is among the highest of any player in T20 history. He will need to combine his raw power with maturity to turn those cameos into meaningful totals.

Mitch Santner

Left-arm spinner Santner has a phenomenal record in the Caribbean, averaging under 17 with the ball at an economy of 5.5. In no other geographical area in the world does he have a better bowling record? His ability to subtly change his speed, flight, and trajectory will make him tricky to face on potentially helpful tracks. With the hit-and-miss Ish Sodhi providing the high-variance leg-spin for the Kiwis, Santner has to offer reliability and a wicket-taking threat.

Fixtures

Fri, 7 June 2024 – New Zealand v Afghanistan, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Wed, 12 June 2024 – New Zealand v West Indies, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Fri, 14 June 2024 – New Zealand v Uganda, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – New Zealand v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee. Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears

3. Afghanistan

Led by the dynamic Rashid Khan, the team boasts a formidable spin attack featuring the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan’s recent series victories against Pakistan and Ireland showcase their growing prowess in the shortest format of the game.

Key Players

Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Dynamic opening batter Gurbaz has been plying his trade in various franchise leagues across the globe, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Major League Cricket (MLC), and ILT20. In the powerplay, he will look to take on seam bowlers down the ground and pounce on any bowlers who overpitch. Since the end of the last World Cup, Gurbaz has more than doubled the number of runs than any other Afghanistan batter (1,504) and achieved this at a strike rate of 143.

Rashid Khan

Widely regarded as the best T20 bowler operating today, Rashid’s skills are in high demand across T20 franchise leagues globally. His brand of fast and direct mystery spin has been puzzling batters over his nine-year international career. Across this World Cup cycle, his wickets have come at an average of just below 20 and at a miserly economy rate of under seven. No bowler has taken more T20 wickets this decade than him.

Fixtures

Mon, 3 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Uganda, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Fri, 7 June 2024 – Afghanistan v New Zealand, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Thur, 13 June 2024 – Afghanistan v Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – Afghanistan v West Indies, St. Lucia, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik. Reserves: Sediq Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Saleem Safi

4. Uganda

Uganda’s journey to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has been nothing short of impressive. Coming off a stellar performance in the Africa region qualifier, where they secured their spot with convincing wins, Uganda enters the tournament with confidence and determination. Led by Brian Masaba, the team brings a blend of experience and emerging talent to the global stage.

Key Players

Simon Ssesazi

Consistent left-hander Ssesazi is his country’s leading run-scorer in T20 internationals and has been the leading run-scorer across all nations in this World Cup cycle. His strike rate has been above 130 against both pace and spin in this time, and his average of 43 against seamers provides great stability at the top of the order.

Alpesh Ramjani

Mumbai-born left-arm spinner Ramjani has taken 70 wickets from his 39 T20Is at an average of just 8.88. He is an all-phase bowler and brings consistency throughout, but through the middle overs, he has taken 33 wickets and concedes just 4.37 runs per over.

Fixtures

Mon, 3 June 2024 – Uganda v Afghanistan, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Wed, 5 June 2024 – Uganda v Papua New Guinea, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Sat, 8 June 2024 – Uganda v West Indies, Guyana, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Fri, 14 June 2024 – Uganda v New Zealand, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL

Uganda: Brian Masaba (c), Simon Ssesazi, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Alpesh Ramjani, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Juma Miyaji, Ronak Patel. Travelling Reserves: Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaaya

5. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) arrives at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a sense of excitement and ambition. Led by Assadollah Vala, PNG brings a blend of talent and enthusiasm to the tournament. Their unbeaten record in the qualifiers, winning six consecutive matches, underscores their potential as a competitive force on the global stage.

Key Players

Tony Ura

Right-hander Ura is the backbone of the Papua New Guinea team. Opening the batting, Ura has been the leading run-scorer since the last World Cup, and he is the best run-scorer for his country overall in this format. His runs also come quickly – his strike rate of 151 in this cycle is the highest of any PNG batter to face more than 50 balls. He strikes at over 150 against both pace and spin and loves a flying start, striking at 166 in the powerplay. He’s the only PNG batter to have a century in international T20s.

Charles Amini

The leg-spinner has a crucial role as the main spinner in a side that has generally been very pace-heavy. Since the last World Cup, Amini has bowled comfortably more than half of the spin deliveries sent down by PNG, taking 18 wickets. On Caribbean surfaces, his performance will be significant to his side.

Fixtures

Sun, 2 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v West Indies, Guyana, 10:30 AM LOCAL
Wed, 5 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Uganda, Guyana, 07:30 PM LOCAL
Thur, 13 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v Afghanistan, Trinidad, 08:30 PM LOCAL
Mon, 17 June 2024 – Papua New Guinea v New Zealand, Trinidad, 10:30 AM LOCAL

Papua New Guinea: Assadollah Vala (c), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura

Group C Prediction: Top Two Teams

Given their experience and squad strength, New Zealand and the West Indies are the favorites to advance from Group C. Afghanistan has the potential to upset the established order, while Uganda and PNG can spring surprises if they play to their strengths.

The Caribbean conditions, known for their slower pitches, will favor spinners and all-rounders. Teams with strong spin attacks and adaptable batting lineups will have an advantage.

Each team in Group C must capitalize on their strengths and adapt to the conditions to advance. Consistency and strategic play will be key to securing a spot in the Super Eight. From the batting powerhouses of the West Indies to the spin prowess of Afghanistan, the competition promises to be fierce. As the tournament unfolds, cricket fans worldwide will be treated to a spectacular display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.

The warm-up matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 which started on May 27, have been going on in full swing. However, Namibia vs PNG, Netherlands vs Canada, and West Indies vs Australia matches took place on May 31 as well.

Namibia vs PNG – Namibia won by 3 runs (DLS method)

The 11th warm-up match between Namibia vs PNG took place at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad on May 30 (3 PM local) as well. Namibia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Put into bat, PNG didn’t have a good show where Sese Bau top-scored with 29 off 25 with 2 sixes. Alongside him, a few more contributions from others helped them post 109 for 7 in 20 overs. Trumpelmann, Wiese and Tangeni Lungameni claimed 2 wickets each.

While chasing, Namibia openers got out for single-digit scores. However, Jan Frylinck played a steady knock of 36 which came off 39 balls along with 3 fours and 1 six. Later, JP Kotze scored 30 off 43 with a four and a six and they won the match convincingly by DLS method.

Namibia vs PNG Scorecard

PNG 109-7 (20) (Sese Bau 29 (25), Wiese 2/8) lost to Namibia 93-6 (16.5) (Jan Frylinck 36 (39), Alei Nao 2/9) by 3 runs (DLS Method).

ALSO READ: T20 World Cup 2024: SWOT analysis of New Zealand squad

Netherlands vs Canada – Match abandoned without a ball bowled (no toss)

The match didn’t take place due to rain.

West Indies vs Australia – West Indies won by 35 runs

The West Indies showed some great shows as they registered an impressive 35-run victory over Australia in their warm-up fixture in Trinidad on May 30 (07:00 PM local). Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Put into bat, West Indies posted a massive total of 257/4 at Queens Park Oval where Nicholas Pooran smashed a quickfire 75 with 5 fours and 8 sixes.

Alongside him, Rovman Powell (52 off 25) and Sherfane Rutherford (47 off 18) scored quick knocks to post a massive total of 257 for 4 in 20 overs. Zampa claimed 2 for 62.

While chasing, David Warner and Ashton Agar got off to a quick start but later on, Josh Inglis smashed 55 off 30 with 5 fours and 4 sixes as well. Nathan Ellis also scored a quick 39 off 22 with 4 fours and 2 sixes as well. But their efforts were not enough as they could only manage 222 runs in 20 overs, eventually losing the game by 35 runs.

West Indies vs Australia Scorecard:

WI 257-4 (20) (Nicholas Pooran 75 (25), Adam Zampa 2/62) won over AUS 222-7 (20) (Josh Inglis 55 (30), Gudakesh Motie 2/31) by 35 runs.

PNG is all set for their second appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as they named their 15-member squad set to feature in Group C at the tournament. Led by the seasoned campaigner Assad Vala, the team is poised to make a mark on the global stage, building on their past performances and aiming for new heights in the 2024 edition. Vala’s leadership prowess was evident in the 2021 edition of the tournament, where he steered the team with aplomb.

Squad Composition

The composition of the Papua New Guinea squad reflects a blend of continuity and fresh talent. Vala is joined by 10 players who featured in the 2021 campaign, underscoring the team’s stability and cohesion. Notable inclusions for the 2024 tournament include Jack Gardner, who moves up from his reserve role, and the versatile CJ Amini, appointed vice-captain to support Vala’s leadership.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli’s hilarious Punjabi chat with cricketers goes viral

Qualification Journey

Papua New Guinea’s path to securing a spot in the T20 World Cup was marked by dominance in the East Asia-Pacific regional final held in July 2023. The team’s unbeaten run on home soil showcased their prowess, as they dispatched opponents Japan, Vanuatu, and the Philippines with conviction, affirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the region.

Coaching Staff

A significant transition in the coaching setup sees former Zimbabwean cricketer Tatenda Taibu as head coach. Taibu’s appointment brings a fresh perspective and tactical insight to the team, complementing the on-field leadership of Vala. The cohesive collaboration between the coaching staff and players bodes well for Papua New Guinea’s campaign in the Caribbean.

Player Spotlight

Among the standout performers in the squad is Chad Soper, who returns to the fold after impressing in recent outings. His all-round skills add depth to the team, while young spinner John Kariko brings youthful exuberance and a promising track record in West Indies conditions, as evidenced by his exploits in the U19 World Cup.

Tournament Schedule

The Barramundis face a challenging start to their campaign, squaring off against hosts West Indies in their opening fixture on June 2nd. Subsequent encounters against Uganda and Afghanistan promise intriguing matchups, with Papua New Guinea aiming to assert their dominance and secure vital points in the group stage.

Papua New Guinea squad: Assadollah Vala (c), CJ Amini (vc), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kipling Doriga, Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura