West Indies will be keen to start their ICC T20 World Cup journey on the right note as they take on Papua New Guinea at Providence Stadium, Guyana, today.

The showpiece event began with the opening game between the USA and Canada at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

West Indies are considered the ultimate poster boys of T20 cricket with their big hitters, fast bowlers, and athletic fielders. They have been branded as the entertainers, and their global appeal among franchises and contribution to the format’s evolution suggests that the two-time champions should have been more dominant on the world stage than they have been so far.

As co-hosts of the tournament, they have another shot at proving why, despite their place in the global rankings, they carry the reputation that they do.

Given West Indies’ reputation, a slip-up wouldn’t be a surprise against PNG, especially considering they might be carrying an ageing squad. A slip-up against PNG would prove extremely dangerous for West Indies’ qualification chances to the next round. Most of their players are coming into the tournament after a hectic IPL schedule. While that experience would hold them in good stead, they will quickly need to adapt to the slower playing conditions at home.