West Indies will face Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Providence Stadium in Guyana on the opening day of the tournament.
The Windies, as co-hosts, are considered strong contenders for advancing deep into the tournament, especially given their impressive recent form in T20 cricket.
The West Indies’ batting lineup is among the most formidable in the T20 World Cup 2024, featuring key players like captain Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Sherfane Rutherford. Their powerful batting unit will be a major asset in their campaign.
Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea qualified for the T20 World Cup 2024 after impressive performances in the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier last year. They will be led by captain Assadollah Vala, with notable players such as Charles Amini, Kabua Morea, Norman Vanua, and Tony Ura aiming to make a significant impact.
PNG will look to leverage these talents to compete effectively and make their mark in the tournament.
So ahead of the match between WI and PNG, let’s take a look at the Possible Playing XIs in Guyana.
Probable WI vs PNG Playing XI
WI probable Playing XI
Johnson Charles
Johnson Charles will be the opening batter for West Indies in the match. In the series T20I series against South Africa, he showed good form by hitting 77 runs at a strike rate of 192+.
Brandon King
Brandon King will be the other opener for West Indies in the match against PNG. The right-handed batter showed wonderful form in the previous series, hitting 159 runs across 3 games.
Rovman Powell (C)
Rovman Powell is the captain of the West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and will lead the side in the tournament. He recently played in IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals.
Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer was another member of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 and also showed good form. Hetmyer is a powerful batter in the middle order.
Nicholas Pooran (WK)
Nicholas Pooran will be the wicketkeeper and lower-order batsman for the side. He was also part of IPL 2024 recently and shattered some powerful knocks for LSG.
Andre Russell
Andre Russell will be a crucial all-rounder for West Indies in ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The right-handed batsman showed wonderful form with the bat and ball for his team Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Russell also played a big role in leading the team to a title.
Akeal Hosein
Akeal Hosein is a powerful spinner and was part of the recent T20I series vs South Africa. He picked 1 wicket in 3 games. Providence Stadium offers support to spinners due to slow pitch and Hosein will be a key bowler.
Gudakesh Motie
Gudakesh Motie showed a wonderful form in the recent series against Proteas where clinched a total of 8 wickets in 3 games at an economy of 6.18.
Obed McCoy
Obed McCoy has replaced Jason Holder in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He gave a wonderful show in the recent T20I series, getting 5 wickets in 3 games.
Alzarri Joseph
Alzarri Joseph will lead the pace attack for West Indies in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He is the most crucial and experienced pacer for the side, who recently featured in IPL 2024 for RCB.
Romario Shepherd
Romario Shepherd is another crucial pacer for the side. He played 1 game in the previous series against South Africa and also got 1 wicket. He was part of IPL 2024 too.
PNG probable Playing XI
Tony Ura
Assad Vala(c)
Lega Siaka
Charles Amini
Sese Bau
Hila Vare
Kiplin Doriga(wk)
Norman Vanua
Kabua Morea
Alei Nao
Chad Soper