Lockie Ferguson's Historic Maiden-Filled T20 Performance

Lockie Ferguson bowled four overs without conceding a run as New Zealand comfortably defeated Papua New Guinea in a T20 World Cup inconsequential match in Trinidad. The pace bowler achieved a milestone by becoming the first to bowl four maidens in a T20 World Cup game and only the second to do so in all men’s T20 internationals. His three wickets played a crucial role in restricting Papua New Guinea to just 78 runs on a challenging and uneven pitch.

New Zealand, led by Devon Conway’s 35, comfortably won with nearly eight overs left despite Allen’s early dismissal. This win put them third in Group C, behind Afghanistan and co-hosts West Indies, already in the Super 8s. With both teams already eliminated, the match lacked excitement, further dampened by a one-hour rain delay. However, Ferguson’s exceptional performance stood out with his pace proving too much for the inexperienced Papua New Guinea batting lineup.

He dismissed captain Assad Vala with his first ball, trapped Charles Amini lbw on review and clean-bowled Chad Soper. Ferguson’s final over yielded only two leg byes, concluding with impressive figures of 4-4-0-3, equalling Saad Bin Zafar’s record. Left-arm seamer Trent Boult, possibly playing his final game for New Zealand, contributed with 2 wickets for 14 runs. Despite the pitch’s unpredictability, New Zealand approached their chase cautiously. Allen and Rachin Ravindra were dismissed by low bounce from Kabua Morea before Conway’s aggressive innings guided them to victory.

His dismissal, lbw to Semo Kamea, brought Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell together to seal the win. Reflecting on the match, Kane Williamson expressed sadness at the prospect of Trent Boult’s departure, highlighting the special bond shared throughout their careers. Player of the match Lockie Ferguson appreciated the chance to bowl seam up but lamented New Zealand’s tournament exit. Assad Vala of Papua New Guinea remains hopeful, looking to build on recent performances and secure future victories.