At Tarouba, Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium on Monday, June 17, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will square off in a Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2024. These teams will be competing for dignity because they are eliminated from the competition. Defeats to Afghanistan and the West Indies marked the beginning of the Black Caps’ inability to bounce back.
Their consolation triumph came from defeating Uganda by 9 wickets. After finishing with incredible 4-1-4-3 numbers, Tim Southee was named Player of the Match. Following a pair of important scalps, Trent Boult maintained his advantage above the pack with efficiency.
Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, and Rachin Ravindra also gave it their all in the bowl. The Kiwis easily defeated the small target of 41 in 5.2 overs. Following the game, Boult also declared that this T20 World Cup will be his final participation in the massive event.
Conversely, PNG, having lost all three of their games, are mired at the bottom of the table with a net run rate of -0.886. PNG lost to Afghanistan by 7 wickets in their previous match. Although the odds are stacked against them going into their match against the Black Caps, Assad Vala’s team would like to start strong.
NZ versus PNG Head-to-Head
In international cricket, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have not yet played one another.
PNG vs. NZ: Team Update
In the dead rubber, both sides will be trying to see how strong their reserve is. Ish Sodhi could be brought in by the Kiwis to replace Mitchell Santner. Michael Bracewell might be given another opportunity as New Zealand looks to finish the competition with a bang.
NZ vs PNG: Pitch Report
Up till now, the venue’s average score in seven Twenty20 Internationals has hovered around 150 runs. The current T20 World Cup had an average score of 113. Thus, it appears like a low-scoring game is in the works. Out of 7 matches, teams that bat first have won 4 of them.
NZ vs. PNG: Likely Starting XI
New Zealand Probable XI: Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, and Kane Williamson (c).
Papua New Guinea Probable XI: Tony Ura, John Kariko, Alei Nao, Norman Vanua, Semo Kamea, Chad Soper, Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, and Kiplin Doriga (wk).
