Level-headed Chase spares WI blushes in opener

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Unassuming all-rounder Roston Chase proved his worth in gold as he helped West Indies evade an upset at the hands of minnows Papua New Guinea, by guiding them to a five-wicket victory in their Group C opener of the Twenty20 World Cup here yesterday.

In pursuit of a modest 137 on a slow track at the Guyana National Stadium, West Indies plunged to 97 for five at the end of the 16th over to leave the result in the balance, with 40 runs still required from the remaining 24 deliveries.

However, the level-headed Chase came to his side's rescue with a polished unbeaten 42 off 27 balls which earned him Man-of-the-Match honours, as West Indies got over the line with an over to spare to make a winning start in their bid for a third title.

Entering at number four, the 32-year-old soaked up the pressure of watching wickets tumble around him, before lashing four fours and two sixes to dominate the back end of the chase.

He put on 22 for the fourth wicket with captain Rovman Powell (15) before outshining the big-hitting Andre Russell (15 not out) in an all-important 40-run, unbroken sixth-wicket stand.

"I'm very pleased. Obviously to start the tournament with a win is always good. I had to take it home for the team and I did it," Chase said afterwards.

"I obviously knew from our first innings bowling it was always hard for batsmen coming in to start, so I just gave myself the best chance possible, [gave] myself some time, and [backed] my skills that when I get in I'd be able to get away the ball."

He was supported by in-form opener Brandon King who made 34 from 29 balls and left-hander Nicholas Pooran, who struck a run-a-ball 27.

Russell (2-19) and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph (2-34) had earlier claimed two wickets apiece to help limit Papua New Guinea to 136 for eight from their 20 overs.

Sent in, the southwestern Pacific nation were carried by Sese Bau's top score of 50 off 43 balls while wicketkeeper Kiplin Doriga chipped in with an unbeaten 27 off 18 balls and captain Assad Vala, 21 from 22 deliveries.

West Indies dictated the early phase of the game when they reduced Papua New Guinea to seven for two in the third over, fast bowler Romario Shepherd getting Tony Ura (2) to nick behind in the second over and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein going through Lega Siaka's (1) defence with a sharp arm ball.

Facing an uncomplicated chase, West Indies were set back early when Johnson Charles played around a full length delivery from seamer Alei Nao and was leg before wicket for a first-ball 'duck' in the second over with eight runs on the board.