Cricket

West Indies Maintain Winning Mentality in T20 World Cup OpenerWest Indies all-rounder Roston Chase has emphasized the team's unwavering commitment to maintaining a winning mentality regardless of the opponent, following their hard-fought five-wicket victory against Papua New Guinea in their opening match of the 2024 T20 World Cup.Chase played a pivotal role in salvaging the win for the co-hosts, rescuing them from a precarious position with a match-winning unbeaten knock of 42 runs. Papua New Guinea, despite not being considered a top-tier team, posed a significant challenge while defending their total of 137 with disciplined bowling and fielding.The West Indies struggled to rotate the strike throughout their innings, relying heavily on boundaries to keep up with the required run rate. Recognizing the need for a shift in approach, Chase emphasized the team's commitment to treating every opponent with the same level of respect and intensity."They're not an A-List team but we don't want to take any team lightly in the World Cup. We came out with the mentality that we were playing Australia or India," Chase stated in the post-match presentation.He further explained that the team had a crucial discussion at the halfway stage, recognizing the need to elevate their performance and secure the victory. This led to a more aggressive approach in the latter half of the innings, with Chase and Andre Russell combining to unleash a flurry of boundaries and steer the team home.Chase, reflecting on his match-winning performance, credited his preparation and the confidence gained from a recent training camp in Antigua. He acknowledged the challenging batting conditions, stating, "I knew that it was hard for the batters coming in, gave myself time and backed my skills."He further elaborated on his observations of the Papua New Guinea batsmen, noting, "I watched the PNG batters, they took their time and once they got in it was easy to score."This unwavering commitment to a winning mentality will be crucial for the co-hosts as they navigate the challenges of the tournament and strive for World Cup glory. While the Windies play Uganda on June 9, PNG will look to turn the tides against the same opposition on June 6.

In the opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024, two-time champions West Indies restricted Papua New Guinea to a modest 136 for eight in Georgetown on June 2. Despite the gulf in experience and skill, PNG's Sese Bau put up a spirited fight with a fine half-century.PNG, playing in their second T20 World Cup, were reeling at 50 for four before Bau (50 off 43 balls) shared a 44-run stand with Charles Amini (12) to salvage their innings. Expecting the pitch to turn, the West Indies opted for three spinners and put PNG in to bat after winning the toss.The spinners made an early impact, with Akeal Hosein removing Tony Ura in the first over. Romario Shepherd then dismissed Lega Siaka, while Alzarri Joseph sent back PNG skipper Assad Vala (21 off 22 balls). Vala had shown some promise with a couple of crisp hits before being caught by Roston Chase at backward point.Bau then took charge, smashing left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie for a six and a couple of fours to give PNG's innings some momentum. After his departure, the associate nation did well to reach close to the 140-run mark.In reply, the West Indies chased down the target with ease, reaching 137 for two in 17.2 overs. Brandon King (52 off 35 balls) and Kyle Mayers (43 off 30 balls) led the charge with fluent half-centuries.

The T20 World Cup 2022 kicked off in the Caribbean with a disappointing start as the West Indies vs Papua New Guinea match in Guyana on Sunday witnessed empty stands and a lack of buzz. The Providence Stadium was only partially filled, with most of the stands remaining empty and isolated.The 9th edition of the ICC's cricketing extravaganza is being jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies. The USA vs Canada game on Saturday marked the tournament's commencement. However, the low turnout in the first T20 World Cup game in the Caribbean raised concerns and drew criticism on social media.West Indies captain Rovman Powell opted to bowl first against PNG in the opening Group C match. Despite a green-tinged pitch, the two-time former champions included three spinners - Roston Chase, Akeil Hosein, and Gudakesh Motie - in their final 11.PNG, who stunned Zimbabwe to qualify for their second T20 World Cup appearance, relied on their experienced players - captain Assad Vala, Tony Ura, and Lega Siaka - to post a challenging total. Their only previous meeting in an official international fixture was at the 2018 qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe for the 2019 50-over-side World Cup, where West Indies emerged victorious.The lack of crowd support and atmosphere in the opening match raised questions about the tournament's appeal in the Caribbean. The ICC and local organizers will hope for improved attendance and enthusiasm in subsequent matches to create a more vibrant and engaging atmosphere for the global cricketing event.

West Indies Aim for Redemption in T20 World Cup Opener Against Papua New GuineaWest Indies will kick off their Caribbean leg of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a match against Papua New Guinea in Providence, Guyana. The hosts will be eager to make a strong start after disappointing performances in the last two editions of the tournament.West Indies, who won the trophy in 2012 and 2016, have struggled in recent years. They managed only one win in five matches in 2021 and failed to reach the Super 12s in 2022. However, they come into this tournament in good form, having swept South Africa 3-0 at home and beating Australia in their only warm-up game.Key players for West Indies include Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer. Russell boasts a strike rate of 207.89 in T20s this year, while Pooran has hit the most sixes in T20 cricket in 2024.Papua New Guinea, making their second appearance at the World Cup, will be looking to upset some calculations. They have a pace-dominated side with only Charles Amini as a frontline spinner. Veteran batters Assad Vala, Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, and Sese Bau will be crucial for PNG.The match will be played at Providence, where teams have been happier to bat second. However, there are chances of showers and even a thunderstorm early in the day, which could impact the game.West Indies will be hoping to start their campaign with a win and build momentum for the rest of the tournament. They will be aware of the threat posed by PNG, who have the experience and ability to cause an upset.

After two disappointing T20 World Cups, West Indies are determined to redeem themselves in this year's edition, which they co-host. Nicholas Pooran, the former captain, believes the squad is hungry to recapture the glory they experienced when they won the title in 2012 and 2016."We want to get that special feeling we had when we won those two T20 World Cups," Pooran said. "Everybody wants to be a part of that winning feeling. Doing it in front of our fans is even more special."Despite their recent struggles, Pooran is confident that the team has grown and matured since their disappointing performance in Australia last year. "We all have grown as players, as team-mates as well," he said. "We are much better players as well. Most of our guys that play franchise cricket, they understand what is needed to be a professional as well."Pooran was impressed with the team's performance in the recent T20I series against South Africa, which they won 3-0 despite the absence of several senior players. "You saw the performances, you saw that guys are fighting and that's really important," he said. "We may win, we may not win, but what's more important for me, as a senior player as well, is that we need to give it 100% on and off the field."West Indies have a formidable batting lineup, with Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, and Romario Shepherd all capable of match-winning performances. Russell, in particular, is in top form after helping Kolkata Knight Riders win the IPL title."He's a winner. He wins T20 games," Pooran said of Russell. "He wins tournaments and whenever you have that experience in the dressing room, it helps a lot, especially in a World Cup. Experience is key."Pooran also highlighted the presence of other match-winners in the team, such as Powell, Hetmyer, Rutherford, and Shepherd. "We have numerous match-winners on our team," he said. "That's what you want."With the tournament being played in their own backyard, West Indies will be eager to make a statement and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in T20 cricket.

The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to witness a thrilling battle in Group C, where two-time champions West Indies will face off against New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea.West Indies, the co-hosts, will be aiming for a record third T20 World Cup title. Led by Rovman Powell, they boast a formidable squad with all-rounders and big-hitters like Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, and Shamar Joseph. Their campaign begins with matches against lower-ranked PNG and Uganda, giving them a strong start.New Zealand, under the leadership of Kane Williamson, has a well-rounded team with a blend of experience and youth. They have a strong pace attack led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee, and a versatile spin department featuring Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi. New Zealand will face Afghanistan in their opening match.Afghanistan, ranked 10th in the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, is a formidable opponent. They have a strong spin department led by Rashid Khan, who returns after an injury layoff. Afghanistan will be looking to pull off big wins and challenge the top teams in the group.Uganda, making their T20 World Cup debut, has an impressive record leading up to the tournament. Led by Brian Masaba, they have a squad with plenty of experience and will be aiming to spring a surprise.Papua New Guinea, also making their second T20 World Cup appearance, has a versatile unit with all-rounders. Led by Assad Vala, they will be looking to test the bigger teams in the group.The group stage promises intense competition, with each team aiming to make it to the second round. West Indies and New Zealand are the favorites, but Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea will be determined to make their mark.

West Indies' blistering batting display, led by Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell, propelled them to a commanding 35-run victory over Australia in their final T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match in Trinidad.Pooran, the left-handed opener, unleashed a whirlwind 75 off just 25 balls, smashing three sixes in his first three deliveries. Powell, the skipper, followed suit with a belligerent 52 off 25, as the duo combined for 12 sixes. Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 47 off 18 balls added to the carnage, propelling West Indies to a formidable 257 for 4.Australia, fielding a depleted team with only nine players and coaches as sub fielders, struggled to contain the West Indies onslaught. Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa, Australia's main spinners, were particularly punished, conceding 120 runs from their combined eight overs.In reply, Australia's Josh Inglis struck a valiant 55 off 30 balls, but the absence of a full complement of batters proved insurmountable. Nathan Ellis, who had impressed against Namibia, continued his strong form, conceding 42 from his four overs.Gudakesh Motie stifled Australia's middle order, claiming the wickets of Inglis and David to finish with 2 for 31. Ellis and Zampa added some respectability to the total with a 51-run seventh-wicket stand, but Australia fell well short of the target, finishing on 222 for 7.This victory serves as a timely confidence boost for West Indies ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, while Australia will be eager to regroup and address their batting concerns before the tournament begins.

The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is set to make history as it ventures into the United States for the first time. The tournament, scheduled to commence on June 2, will feature 20 teams vying for the coveted title.India, led by star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will kick off their campaign at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 9. They will face Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash, followed by matches against Ireland and the United States. India's final group game against Canada will take place at the Central Broward Park in Florida.The tournament will also mark the first time the West Indies has hosted a Men's T20 World Cup since 2010. Nine stadiums across the Caribbean and three in the USA will host the matches.However, two iconic Caribbean stadiums, Sabina Park in Jamaica and Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad, will not be part of the tournament due to high costs. Instead, the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad will host one of the semi-finals.The other semi-final will be played at Guyana's Providence Stadium, while the final will take place at the 28,000-seater Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29.

Group C Preview: West Indies, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New GuineaThe 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to commence in the West Indies and USA on June 2, and Group C promises to be a thrilling contest. Let's take a closer look at the teams involved:West Indies:The co-host enters the tournament in excellent form, having won four of its last five T20I series. With a star-studded lineup featuring Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Shimron Hetmyer, the West Indies are a formidable force. However, they will miss the services of experienced all-rounder Jason Holder due to injury.New Zealand:The Kiwis rely on their experienced core in their quest for a maiden T20 World Cup title. Kane Williamson leads the side for the fourth time, while pacers Tim Southee and Trent Boult make their seventh and fifth tournament appearances respectively. The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, and Boult are in top form after the IPL 2024 campaign.Afghanistan:Afghanistan's rise from minnow to contender was evident in the 2023 50-over Cricket World Cup. Their T20 style suits them well, with Najibullah Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi providing explosive batting and a well-rounded spin attack. Several Afghan players gained valuable experience in the IPL 2024.Uganda:Uganda makes its World Cup debut, having overcome Zimbabwe and Kenya in the Africa leg of the qualifiers. An upset win over one of the favorites would be a major boost for cricket in Uganda. Veteran all-rounder Frank Nsubuga, at 43, is the oldest player in the tournament.Papua New Guinea:PNG had a relatively easy path to the main draw, cruising past Vanuatu, Japan, and Philippines. Former Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu is the head coach of PNG. Tony Ura is their most successful batter with 1618 runs in 56 T20Is.Key Players:* Andre Russell (West Indies): The all-rounder has enjoyed a career resurgence and is a crucial part of Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL title-winning team.* Trent Boult (New Zealand): The left-arm pacer's dangerous shape and curl with the new ball can swing the early momentum towards New Zealand.* Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan): The pacer finished as LSG's highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024 with 14 wickets.* Frank Nsubuga (Uganda): The veteran all-rounder brings experience and leadership to the Ugandan team.* Tony Ura (Papua New Guinea): The nation's most successful batter will be crucial for PNG's hopes of making an impact.