New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea T20 World Cup 2024 Match 39

It's a matter of pride as New Zealand take on win-less Papua New Guinea in their final T20 World Cup 2024 Group C game at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on June 17 at 8:00 PM IST. It is a dead rubber clash, with both teams no longer in contention for Super Eights. New Zealand, who are no longer in contention in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, aims to restore pride and finish the season strongly. However, strange things have happened in the T20 World Cup 2024, so it wouldn't be surprising if Papua New Guinea pulled off an upset against New Zealand in their last match. If nothing else, New Zealand would like to leave with a bang as a farewell for Trent Boult, who has confirmed that this will be his last T20 World Cup.

Transition looms as New Zealand looks to end on a high against win-less Papua New Guinea

This is the worst-ever T20 World Cup campaign for the Blackcaps. Just two years ago, in 2021, the Kiwis were the runners-up, but this year they failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage. With only 2 points from 3 matches, the team is determined to win their last league match and salvage some pride. A consolatory win over Papua New Guinea would be the best New Zealand can achieve in this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, as curtains come down on their campaign prematurely. The upcoming game holds significant importance for the New Zealand team, as Trent Boult has announced that this will be his final T20 World Cup appearance for the country. The Kane Williamson-led team will be determined to perform their best against PNG, who have lost all three of their matches so far.

Underdogs Papua New Guinea have been on a losing streak. They suffered a defeat in their first match against West Indies, scoring 136/8 (20) and losing by 5 wickets, but they put up a strong fight. The Windies chased down the target in 19 overs but almost had a scare. Since then, Assad Vala's side has struggled to win crucial moments. Talking about the previous match against Afghanistan, PNG lost five wickets within the powerplay. A total of four run-outs didn't help PNG's cause, as they were dismissed for 95. The trouble started when Captain Assad Vala was run out in the second over. Trying to complete a third run, his bat was in the air at the non-striker's end when Gurbaz nailed a direct hit at the bowler's end. If Vala had slid his bat, he would have been safe.

NZ vs PNG Match 39: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad Weather and Pitch Report

Known for its batsman-friendly conditions, the Brian Lara Stadium has an average first-innings score of 185. However, the surface in Tarouba behaved sluggishly during the recent Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea T20 World Cup 2024 group match. Due to rain before the game, some deliveries outside the off stump stayed alarmingly low, making it difficult to hit straight. The pitch is expected to become drier, aiding more cutters and spin. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first due to the presence of dew. The matches played here have all been low-scoring encounters, and another bowler-friendly contest is expected. As for the weather, there is a high chance of rain affecting the game, with thunderstorms forecasted on the match day.

Predicted New Zealand Playing XI

Talking about their last match in Trinidad, Trent Boult unleashed searing, full inswing while Tim Southee targeted the stumps. Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra tested both edges of the bat with their left-arm spin. The T20 World Cup witnessed another collapse by Uganda, as their inexperienced batters struggled against New Zealand's quality bowling. New Zealand achieved the target in 5.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Although New Zealand has not made the Super Eights of the ongoing tournament, Boult still has one final T20 World Cup match against Papua New Guinea on Monday. The Kiwis will most likely go with the same team.

NZ Playing XI

Devon Conway (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

Devon Conway (WK), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman.

Predicted Papua New Guinea Playing XI

With former West Indies World Cup-winning coach Phil Simmons observing from the bench in his consultant role, PNG are on the hunt for their first win at this level. Seamer Norman Vanua holds the record for PNG's most wickets in T20Is. The team felt his absence in the opening game of the tournament. But he made a successful return against Uganda, taking 2 wickets for 19 runs in the game. With PNG hoping for their first win in the competition, all attention will again be on Vanua. Expect PNG to field an unchanged team.

PNG Playing XI

Tony Ura, Assad Vala (C), Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Chad Soper, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, John Kariko, Semo Kamea

Assad Vala (C), Alei Nao, Chad Soper, CJ Amini, Hila Vare, Hiri Hiri, Jack Gardner, John Kariko, Kabua Vagi Morea, Kiplin Doriga (WK), Lega Siaka, Norman Vanua, Sema Kamea, Sese Bau, Tony Ura.