Ferguson special hands PNG crushing defeat

Lockie Ferguson’s exceptional bowling performance helped New Zealand secure a dominant 7-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea in the final Group game of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Ferguson’s figures of 3 wickets for 0 runs, along with Tim Southee’s 2 for 11, restricted PNG to a meager total of 78 runs. The Kiwis chased down the target in just 12.2 overs to finish their campaign on a high note.

Ferguson’s remarkable spell saw him become only the second bowler in T20Is to bowl 24 dot balls, dismantling the PNG batting lineup with precision. He removed key batsmen, triggering a collapse that saw PNG lose 8 wickets for just 37 runs. Southee also contributed with crucial wickets during the PowerPlay, setting the tone for New Zealand’s emphatic victory.

Despite a shaky start in the chase, with early wickets falling, Devon Conway’s aggressive batting steered New Zealand towards the target. Conway’s 35 runs and Daryl Mitchell’s crucial boundaries ensured a comfortable win for the Kiwis.

With this victory, New Zealand maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament, showcasing their strength in both bowling and batting departments. The comprehensive win against PNG highlighted their dominance in the competition.

The match ended with New Zealand’s bowlers, including Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi, cleaning up the PNG tail to restrict them to 78 runs. Overall, it was a convincing performance by New Zealand, showcasing their prowess in T20 cricket.