PNG skipper Assad Vala proud of his boys despite defeat to West Indies

Chad Soper of Papua New Guinea celebrates the wicket of WI’s Rovman Powell during the ICC T20 World Cup tie on Sunday. Pic/Getty Images

After failing to pull off an upset against West Indies (WI) in their T20 World Cup 2024 opener on Sunday, Papua New Guinea (PNG) captain Assad Vala reflected on the match, noting that with a few more runs towards the end, they could have challenged the hosts more fiercely.

PNG's T20 World Cup opener against West Indies marked only their eighth encounter with a Full Member team. Despite the daunting opposition, PNG's performance suggested they could pull off an upset. After posting 136 on the board, they had the West Indies in trouble at 97 for 5 in 16 overs. However, dreams of an upset were dashed as Andre Russell and Roston Chase steered the hosts West Indies to victory.

"I think batting as well, I think we didn't play the crucial moments the way we wanted. They had batsmen towards the end, which we didn't. I think we missed out on a few runs towards the end as well. But I think credit to them. They got a lot of experience. So, I think we played really well. We executed our skills really well.

"We just couldn't execute towards the end when we were put under pressure, but really happy with the overall performance of the boys. We didn't post the target we wanted, but they fought till the end, so really happy with the effort," said Vala. After missing their chances to qualify in 2014 and 2016, PNG are now playing their second T20 World Cup in three years, having made their breakthrough in the UAE in 2021.

PNG's innings saw early setbacks, with star batsman Tony Ura dismissed early and Vala falling for 21 to a stunning catch by Chase. Yet, Sese Bau's determined 43-ball 50 and Kiplin Doriga's late surge of 27 off 18 balls injected crucial momentum into their innings. Vala acknowledged the missed opportunities, particularly in the closing moments, but praised his team's overall execution and fighting spirit.

"Sese Bau batted really well. And John Kariko, the left-arm spinner bowled well. Alei upfront with the new ball. There was a lot of stuff we did well."

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