In their final group stage match of the ongoing T20I World Cup 2024, New Zealand will be facing Papua New Guinea on Monday at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad. The Kiwis, now playing solely for pride, aim to close out their campaign on a positive note. This match serves as an opportunity for New Zealand to close out their campaign with a thumping victory. New Zealand would never have imagined the way their campaign unfolded during this season of the tournament, suffering two early setbacks, thus dwindling their campaign.

For the first time since 2014, New Zealand will not be the part of the semifinals. New Zealand’s chances for Super Eight fell off after their awful outings in their first two games against Afghanistan and West Indies respectively. New Zealand bounced back with a big nine-wicket win against Uganda, but it didn’t solve the puzzle they trapped themselves into at the early stage in the tournament. Heading into this match, New Zealand will be hoping for a huge victory to bring a fruitful end to their campaign. 

New Zealand’s top-order will be expected to carry out a massive batting blitz to help the side sign off positively. This is also Trent Boult’s last T20I World Cup after speedster confirmed his decision of not being available to play the next edition of the tournament. Papua New Guinea, on the other side, have so far been winless in the tournament and they would also be hoping for a positive result as they look to close out their campaign.

Head to Head

Both teams have never been against each other in international cricket.

New Zealand Probable XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Papua New Guinea Probable XI: Assad Vala (c), Tony Ura, Sese Bau, Lega Siaka, Hiri Hiri, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Chad Soper, Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, John Kariko, Semo Kamea