PNG Spares Nicholas Pooran by Not Reviewing LBW Decision in T20 World Cup

West Indies wicket-keeper batter Nicholas Pooran received a crucial lifeline during the 2024 T20 World Cup match against Papua New Guinea on Sunday (June 2). The Providence Stadium in Guyana hosted this thrilling clash, which marked the opening match of the tournament for both teams.

Batting first on a sluggish pitch, Papua New Guinea managed to post a total of 136/8 in their 20 overs. This effort was anchored by a sensible half-century from Sese Bau, who played a pivotal role in steadying the PNG innings. West Indies pacer Alei Nao provided a solid start in the second innings by dismissing West Indies opener Johnson Charles for a golden duck in the second over.

Nao continued to put pressure on the West Indies batting lineup and produced another chance just a couple of balls later. He struck Nicholas Pooran on the pads in front of the wickets, prompting a loud and confident appeal for an LBW dismissal from the PNG players. However, the on-field umpire turned down their appeal. In a crucial decision, the Papua New Guinea captain opted against taking a DRS review.

Moments later, replays revealed that Papua New Guinea had missed out on a significant breakthrough, as the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. This missed opportunity allowed Pooran to continue his innings, potentially altering the course of the match.

The opening match of the tournament provided plenty of excitement and drama, setting the stage for an action-packed T20 World Cup.