New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson shines with historic bowling in T20 World Cup 2024 victory over PNG. © Twitter (@toisports)
With a convincing victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG), New Zealand wrapped up their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in an exciting exhibition of cricket. The match, held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba on June 17, 2024, showcased remarkable performances and historic feats, especially from New Zealand’s ace pacer, Lockie Ferguson.
Match Summary
Papua New Guinea 78 (19.4) | |
| Charles Amini 17 (25) | Lockie Ferguson |
| Norman Vanua 14 (13) | Ish Sodhi |
| Sese Bau 12 (27) | Trent Boult |
New Zealand 79/3 (12.2) | |
| Devon Conway 35 (32) | Kabua Morea |
| Daryl Mitchell 19 (12) | Semo Kamea |
| Kane Williamson © 18 (17) | Alei Nao |
Toss: New Zealand won the throw and elected to bowl first.
Stadium: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba.
Result: New Zealand won by seven wickets (46 balls remaining).
Man of the Match: Lockie Ferguson(NZ) – 3/0 (4)
A Showcase of Bowling Brilliance
New Zealand’s decision to bowl first, prompted by morning showers and a moisture-laden pitch, set the stage for a bowling masterclass. PNG, struggling to cope with the conditions and the quality of the Kiwi bowlers, were bowled out for a paltry 78 runs in 19.4 overs.
Lockie Ferguson, the star of the match, delivered an unforgettable performance:
- Figures: 4 overs, four maidens, 0 runs, three wickets.
- Historic Achievement: Became only the second bowler in T20I history to bowl four maiden overs in a match.
Ferguson’s extraordinary spell left the PNG batters bewildered. His lethal pace, accuracy, and movement through the air were too much for the opposition. The highlight was his dismissal of Assad Vala, which set the tone for PNG’s collapse.
Other notable contributions came from:
- Trent Boult: 2 wickets for 14 runs, marking his final T20 World Cup appearance with a memorable performance.
- Ish Sodhi: 2 wickets for 29 runs, effectively cleaning up the tail.
PNG’s batting effort was led by Charles Amini, who scored 17 runs, but the rest of the lineup needed to provide substantial support. Norman Vanua (14 runs) and Sese Bau (12 runs) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
Chasing the Target: A Comfortable Cruise
New Zealand’s chase of 79 runs was straightforward despite some initial hiccups:
- Devon Conway anchored the innings with 35 runs off 32 balls, ensuring stability.
- Daryl Mitchell (19 runs off 12 balls) and Kane Williamson (18 runs off 17 balls) finished the chase easily, reaching the target in just 12.2 overs.
PNG’s bowling had its moments, with Kabua Morea’s impressive spell of 2 wickets for four runs in 2.2 overs and Semo Kamea taking one wicket for 13 runs in 3 overs. However, more than their efforts were needed to defend such a low total.
Beyond the Scorecard Highlights and Reflections
- Lockie Ferguson’s Record: His 4-4-0-3 performance will be etched in cricketing history, exemplifying the pinnacle of T20 bowling excellence.
- Trent Boult’s Farewell: Boult’s final T20 World Cup match was marked by his usual brilliance, leaving a legacy of exceptional performances.
- PNG’s Batting Woes: Despite flashes of potential, PNG’s batting lineup couldn’t withstand the high-quality Kiwi attack. Their World Cup journey highlighted the challenges emerging cricketing nations faced.
A Memorable Exit for New Zealand
New Zealand’s seven-wicket victory over PNG, achieved with 46 balls to spare, was a fitting end to their T20 World Cup campaign. Despite their disappointment in the tournament, this match was memorable and positive, showcasing the team’s talent and resilience.
As cricket fans reflect on this encounter, Lockie Ferguson’s name will stand out for his Player of the Match performance and for delivering one of the finest spells in T20I history. This match serves as a reminder of cricket’s unpredictability and the moments of brilliance that make it a beloved sport worldwide.
