New Zealand triumphed over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their final group stage
match of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding seven-wicket victory. Lockie
Ferguson’s record-breaking spell of 4-4-0-3 was instrumental in bowling PNG out
for 78 runs. New Zealand chased the target down in 12.2 overs, thanks to
contributions from Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell.

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Guinea T20 World Cup 2024, Lockie Ferguson record spell T20, New Zealand T20
World Cup 2024 highlights, PNG vs New Zealand match summary, Devon Conway
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T20 record,

Ferguson’s Record-Breaking
Spell Seals the Win

Lockie Ferguson’s phenomenal bowling performance helped New Zealand secure a
seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their final group stage match
of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad.
Ferguson’s spell of 4-4-0-3 played a crucial role in restricting PNG to a mere
78 runs in 19.4 overs, which New Zealand chased down in just 12.2 overs,
finishing at 79 for three.

Other Players with
Record-Breaking Bowling Spells in T20I Cricket

1. Saad Bin Zafar (Canada)

Saad Bin Zafar is the only other bowler in T20I history to have bowled four
maiden overs in a single match. He achieved this remarkable feat during the T20
World Cup Americas Region Qualifier in November 2021 against Panama. Zafar’s
spell of 4-4-0-2 was instrumental in restricting the opposition, showcasing his
exceptional control and accuracy.

2. Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Ajantha Mendis holds the record for the best bowling figures in a T20I
match. He took 6 wickets for just 8 runs against Zimbabwe in the 2012 T20 World
Cup. His unplayable spin bowling decimated the Zimbabwean batting lineup,
making it one of the most memorable spells in T20 cricket history.

3. Deepak Chahar (India)

Deepak Chahar recorded the best bowling figures in a T20I by an Indian
bowler.T20I by an Indianbowler. He took 6 wickets for 7 runs against Bangladesh in November 2019.
Chahar’s exceptional swing bowling under lights helped India secure a
convincing victory, and his hat-trick in that match was a standout performance.

4. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Rashid Khan, one of the leading T20 bowlers globally, took 5 wickets for 3
runs against Ireland in 2017. Known for his fast leg-spin and sharp googlies,
Rashid’s spell was pivotal in dismissing Ireland for a low total and
highlighted his dominance in the shortest format of the game.

5. Peter Chase (Ireland)

Peter Chase delivered a remarkable performance against Afghanistan in 2018,
taking 4 wickets for 25 runs. His ability to swing the ball and maintain
pressure on the batsmen was key to Ireland’s success in that match, underlining
his capability as a match-winning bowler.

6. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

Lasith Malinga, renowned for his deadly yorkers and unique bowling action,
took 5 wickets for 6 runs against New Zealand in 2019. His spell included four
wickets in four consecutive balls, making it one of the most extraordinary
performances in T20I history. Malinga’s ability to deliver under pressure has
made him a legend in limited-overs cricket.

7. Umar Gul (Pakistan)

Umar Gul was one of the first bowlers to make a significant impact in T20
cricket. He took 5 wickets for 6 runs against New Zealand in 2009. Gul’s fast,
accurate deliveries were too much for the Kiwi batsmen, and his performance was
crucial in securing a victory for Pakistan.

Historic Bowling Feat by
Lockie Ferguson

Ferguson joined an elite group of bowlers, becoming only the second player
in T20I history to bowl all four overs as maidens. His remarkable figures of
4-4-0-3 mirrored the record set by Canada skipper Saad Bin Zafar, who achieved
the feat in 2021. Ferguson’s relentless attack left the PNG batters struggling
to score, with no runs off his first three overs and three key wickets to his name.

PNG’s Struggles Against New
Zealand’s Bowling Attack

PNG’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost both openers, Tony Ura
(1) and Assad Vala (6), within the first 4.1 overs. Ferguson’s first wicket
came from an excellent delivery that got Vala caught at slip. The middle order
tried to stabilize the innings, with Charles Amini and Sese Bau attempting a
partnership. However, Ferguson’s magic continued as he trapped Amini LBW,
ending the 27-run stand. Bau’s departure an over later triggered a collapse,
and PNG lost wickets rapidly.

Key Wickets and Economy Rate

While Ferguson’s spell was the highlight, he received ample support from his
teammates. Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Ish Sodhi each took two wickets, with
Boult and Southee making early inroads and Sodhi wrapping up the tail. Mitchell
Santner contributed with a wicket, keeping the pressure on PNG. Boult, playing his
last T20 World Cup match, finished with a tidy first over, though he didn’t
claim a wicket with the new ball.

New Zealand’s Steady Chase

Despite a strong bowling performance by PNG’s Kabua Morea, who dismissed
Finn Allen for a duck and Rachin Ravindra for six, New Zealand’s batsmen
managed to hold firm. Devon Conway led the chase with a 32-ball 35, including
three sixes and two fours, setting the foundation for the win. Captain Kane
Williamson (18*) and Daryl Mitchell (19*) ensured there were no further
hiccups, taking New Zealand over the line with 46 balls to spare.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s comprehensive win, backed by an exceptional spell from
Ferguson, ensured a strong finish to their T20 World Cup campaign. Despite
earlier losses to Afghanistan and West Indies, the Blackcaps showed resilience
with wins against Oman and PNG. Ferguson’s record-breaking performance and the
team’s overall dominance highlight New Zealand’s prowess in ICC tournaments.

Match Summary

• Papua New Guinea: 78 all out in 19.4 overs
• New Zealand: 79/3 in 12.2 overs
• New Zealand won by 7 wickets

Playing XI

Papua New Guinea: Assad Vala (c), Tony Ura,
Charles Amini, Sese Bau, Hiri Hiri, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Chad Soper, Norman
Vanua, Alei Nao, Kabua Morea, Semo Kamea

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