New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are all set to battle it out at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba as they feature for the last time in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The match will certainly be played with heavy hearts as the Black Caps have been eliminated from a T20 World Cup in the group stages for the first time since 2014.
The match will be an especially emotional affair for fans as Trent Boult is all set to feature in his last game for New Zealand, with the marquee left-arm pace bowler having announced his retirement.
In this tournament, New Zealand started off on the wrong foot as they lost their opening game to Afghanistan by a colossal margin of 84 runs. Facing the hosts in their own backyard, they then lost a second game on the trot, losing to West Indies by 13 runs.
New Zealand’s only win in the tournament so far came against a significantly weaker team, Uganda. Winning the toss, they chose to bowl first and bowled out Uganda for a mere 40 runs in 18.4 overs. Tim Southee ended the game with brilliant figures of 3-4 in 4 overs. Trent Boult, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner each claimed two wickets, while Lockie Ferguson secured one. On the back of Devon Conway’s 22 not out, New Zealand completed the chase in just 5.2 overs.
Also read: Team India Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir's conditions accepted
Papua New Guinea, on the other hand, have been on a downward spiral after giving West Indies a big scare in their opening game. Along with Oman, they are the only team yet to register a point in the tournament.
Their last game against Afghanistan, which they lost by seven wickets, was another below-par performance, with only Kiplin Doriga (27 off 32 balls) offering real resistance.
NZ vs PNG Pitch Report
The surface at Brian Lara stadium is one that gives balanced support to both batters and bowlers. It has generally witnessed moderate scores, with the average total in T20 games approximately 135 runs.
NZ vs PNG Head-to-Head
This is the first time Papua New Guinea will face New Zealand in international cricket.
NZ vs PNG Squads
NZ: Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Micheal Bracewell, Matt Henry, Mark Chapman.
PNG: Tony Ura, Assad Vala (c), Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Lega Siaka, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Charles Amini, Chap Soper, Alei Nao, Norman Vanua, Kabua Morea, John Kariko, Jack Gardner, Semo Kamea, Hila Vare.
NZ vs PNG Toss Time
The match is all set to start at 8:00PM IST, and the toss will be at 7:30 PM.
NZ vs PNG Live Telecast: Star Sports Network.
NZ vs PNG Live Streaming: Disney Plus Hotstar.
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