Lockie Ferguson's record spell leads New Zealand to victory over PNG in T20 World Cup

Tarouba, June 18: New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson delivered the most economical spell in T20I history, bowling 4-4-0-3, as the Black Caps defeated Papua New Guinea by seven wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Monday.

Ferguson made history by bowling four maiden overs in his four-over spell, the first time this feat has been achieved in T20I cricket. He also set a record with 24 consecutive dot balls in a match.

Ferguson, who was named Player of the Match, took three wickets, while Trent Boult (2-14), Tim Southee (2-11), and Ish Sodhi (2-29) each claimed two wickets, bowling out PNG for a meager 78 in 19.4 overs during the Group C clash.

Charles Amini was PNG's top scorer with 17 runs, while Norman Vanua (14) and Sese Bau (12) were the only other batters to reach double figures, as the Black Caps bowlers dominated.

In reply, Devon Conway scored 35 off 32 balls, leading New Zealand to 79/3 in 12.2 overs, securing a seven-wicket victory with 46 balls to spare.

Kane Williamson remained unbeaten on 18 off 17 balls, and Daryl Mitchell scored 19 not out off 12 balls, including three fours, as New Zealand cruised to victory in their penultimate league match of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Conway, who hit two boundaries and three sixes, and skipper Williamson stabilized the innings after early dismissals of Finn Allen (0) and Rachin Ravindra (6). Their 34-run partnership for the third wicket propelled New Zealand towards an easy win.

With this victory, the Black Caps concluded their T20 World Cup campaign with four points from two wins and two losses, failing to qualify for the Super 8 stage. PNG finished with zero points after losing all four matches.

Brief scores:

Papua New Guinea 78 all out in 19.4 overs (Charles Amini 17; Lockie Ferguson 3-0, Tim Southee 2-11, Trent Boult 2-14) lost to New Zealand 79/3 in 12.2 overs (Devon Conway 35; Kabua Morea 2-4) by seven wickets.