Lockie Ferguson Creates History in T20 World Cup 2024 with Unprecedented Bowling Performance

New Zealand closed their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a significant victory over Papua New Guinea, thanks to an exceptional performance by Lockie Ferguson. Ferguson made history by bowling four maidens and finishing with the most economical figures in T20 International history, taking 3/0 against Papua New Guinea. This remarkable achievement marked only the second time in men’s T20 Internationals that a bowler had bowled four overs without conceding a run, following Saad Bin Zafar of Canada in 2021. Ferguson’s outstanding performance earned him the Aramco Player of the Match Award, as he played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s seven-wicket win.

Ferguson’s exceptional spell helped New Zealand restrict Papua New Guinea to a mere 78 runs. The Black Caps faced an early setback in their chase, losing Finn Allen (0) and Rachin Ravindra (6) quickly. However, Devon Conway‘s 35 from 32 deliveries put New Zealand on the right track, and later, Kane Williamson (18*) and Daryl Mitchell (19*) finished the job with 46 balls to spare. Despite a delayed start due to rain, New Zealand elected to bowl first after winning the toss. This match also marked Trent Boult‘s final appearance in a T20 World Cup.

During Papua New Guinea’s innings, Ferguson took three crucial wickets, including that of the PNG captain, Assad Vala, with his first delivery. Boult and Tim Southee also contributed, taking 2/15 and 2/11 respectively. The spinners Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets collectively. Only three PNG batters managed double figures, with Norman Vanua scoring 14 runs late in the innings.

In reply, Papua New Guinea bowler Kabua Morea delivered an outstanding performance, claiming 2/4 in 2.2 overs, dismissing both Allen and Ravindra. Semo Kamea also chipped in with a wicket, removing Conway for 35. Despite PNG’s bowling efforts, New Zealand’s depth in batting ensured a comfortable chase for the Black Caps.

The encounter between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea marked the conclusion of both teams’ T20 World Cup 2024 journey, as they failed to advance from Group C. For Papua New Guinea, the outcome was not surprising, but for New Zealand, losses to Afghanistan and West Indies dashed their tournament hopes prematurely. The disappointing results saw New Zealand, previously ranked fifth in the world, exit the competition early.