The West Indies beat PNG by five wickets thanks to a late recovery in their opening match after the small fry gave them a scare.

West Indies stuttered and stumbled before finally managing a five-wicket victory over underdogs Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their opening match. Group C Meeting of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup In Guyana.

However, with a modest target of 137 points, the two-time former champions failed to beat PNG's clever and disciplined bowling in Sunday's cricket match.

The co-hosts slumped to 97 for five with just four overs remaining before all-rounder Roston Chase's unbeaten 42 from 27 balls helped the co-hosts over the finish line with a one-over lead.

Their unbroken partnership of 40 at the sixth wicket came in just three overs and prevented one of PNG's biggest upsets – not just in the eight editions of this tournament, but in all of international cricket, considering this was only their second appearance at a world tournament, having lost all three matches on their debut at the 2021 T20 World Cup.

“Based on what we saw when PNG were at bat, it was always clear that it was going to be tough for the batsmen coming in now, so I took some time to give myself the best possible chance and rely on my ability to hit the ball away once I was in,” Chase said.

The player of the match conceded 26 runs from four overs of off-spin and also took a brilliant catch at backward point to dismiss PNG captain Assad Vala.

Vala took the lead with the ball for the underdogs, taking two for 28 from four overs of spin after seamer Alei Nao struck with the wicket of Johnson Charles' first ball at the start of the West Indies chase.

This early success spurred the Papuans on despite goals from Brandon King (34) and Nicholas Pooran (27).

With the two only 11 throws apart and captain Rovman Powell adding to the lead, PNG sensed an upset of monumental proportions before Chase restored the balance when Russell stepped in after the sudden demise of Sherfane Rutherford.

“We were 10 to 15 runs short of a more challenging target, but after losing so many early wickets, it was still a good performance,” Valla said, reflecting on the narrow defeat.

“We are happy with the fight we showed to defend this result. This is an opportunity for us and we look forward to the challenge of playing our best cricket in tournaments and against teams like this.”

Earlier, Sese Bau's aggressive 50 off 43 balls (six fours, one six) was PNG's only significant contribution to their total of 136 for eight after being sent in to bat.

Wicketkeepers Kiplin Doriga (27 not out) and Valla (21) were the other players to get past 20, with fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Russell leading the West Indies effort with two wickets each.

“Kudos to PNG because they played good cricket and their plans were simple but in the end it was important for us to get the two points,” said a relieved Powell.

“But we have to get better in all three areas of the game. [batting, bowling and fielding]. We didn't quite reach the level we expected from ourselves today and we need to improve for the upcoming games.”