New Zealand may well be out of the race of the Super 8s in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 but are taking on Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their last group-stage match at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago. 

The Kiwis bowled first in the match which witnessed a record-breaking spell from Lockie Ferguson.

The right-arm fast bowler literally did not give anything away to the opposition who could not score a single run off his 24 legal deliveries, achieving the feat for the first time in men's T20Is. 

The 33-year-old was spot on with his line and length and scalped three wickets, while bowling maiden overs, one after the other. 

Led by Ferguson's bowling effort, PNG were bowled out for 78. 

Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi and Trent Boult, playing his last T20 World Cup match, chipping in with 2 wickets apiece. Mitchell Santner too picked a wicket, conceding 17 runs.

Ferguson got a wicket off his first ball. He got the better of PNG captain Assad Valada for 6 (16) and then exerted pressure to start his spell with a maiden in the powerplay. 

He then again bowled a maiden, the first one after the powerplay to continue his fine form. 

Ferguson then returned into the attack for the 12th over where in he removed Charles Amini 17 (25). His third over, the 14th of the innings, was also a wicket-maiden as he removed Chad Soper for 1 off 6.

There was understandly celebrations when Ferguson fielded the last ball of his fourth over himself to finish with four successive overs, a historical feat.

Source: ABP 

BDST: 1400 HRS, JUN 18, 2024
MN