PROVIDENCE: Co-host West Indies won the toss and elected to field against Papua New Guinea in the opening game of the Caribbean-leg of the Twenty20I World Cup at Providence Stadium on Sunday.
The West Indies team, considered among the favorites to regain the title, is determined to make a mark on their home turf after disappointing performances in the last two T20I World Cups. Despite securing victories in the World Cups of 2012 and 2016, the team managed only one win in 2021 and failed to advance to the Super 12 stage in 2022, suffering losses to Ireland and Scotland in the initial round. So far, no home team has ever clinched the T20I World Cup title.
The West Indies squad enters the tournament on the back of a resounding 3-0 series victory at home against South Africa. Their confidence soared higher after defeating Australia in a warm-up game where they amassed an impressive total of 257 runs.
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West Indies captain Rovman Powell, after winning the toss, said, “With the inclement weather around and on a fresh wicket, it’s right for us to have a bowl,” Powell said.
West Indies Playing XI
Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (capt), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
Papua New Guinea Playing XI
Tony Ura, Assad Vala (capt), Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Charles Amini, Kipling Doriga, Alei Nao, Chad Soper, Kabua Morea, John Kariko
