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IPL Star Shimron Hetmyer Out, West Indies' Probable XI For T20 World Cup Match vs PNG

Shimron Hetmyer in action [X]Shimron Hetmyer in action [X]

West Indies will face Papua New Guinea in the second group-stage match of the T20 World Cup starting on Sunday, June 2. Led by Rovman Powell, the Windies have a formidable lineup comprising several explosive batters. 

The Men in Maroon showcased their excellence in the warm-up game against Australia, where blazing knocks from Pooran and skipper Powell powered them to a mammoth 257-run total. 

However, the co-hosts might make a bold call when forming their playing XI for the tournament opener against PNG, as they could drop swashbuckling batter Shimron Hetmyer from the starting XI. 

Although Hetmyer has been a prolific performer in T20 leagues around the world, his competitor Sherfane Rutherford has been outstanding as a finisher for West Indies in his absence. 

In his previous six T20I innings, the dynamic southpaw has hammered 169 runs at a blistering strike rate of 165.68. 

Furthermore, in the warm-up fixture, Rutherford thrashed the Aussies with a magnificent 18-ball 47*, while Hetmyer contributed only 18 runs off 13 deliveries. 

So, considering his red-hot recent form, Rutherford might get the nod ahead of Hetmyer for the first game against PNG. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the West Indies' playing XI will likely be picked on expected lines, with Brandon King, Johnson Charles, and Nicholas Pooran forming the core of West Indies' batting lineup. 

There could be a toss-up between Shai Hope and Roston Chase for a slot in the middle over, with the latter pipping the former based on his all-round ability. 

Skipper Powell will be among the finishers alongside Rutherford and the destructive all-round duo of Andre Russell and Romario Shepherd. 

While Alzarri Joseph and Akeal Hosein are certain starters, one between Obed McCoy and Gudakesh Motie will fill the remaining slot. 


West Indies' probable XI vs PNG

Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie/Obed McCoy