TAROUBA: In a spectacular display of fast bowling, Lockie Ferguson achieved an unprecedented feat, returning figures of three wickets for no runs in his maximum four overs as New Zealand concluded their T20 World Cup campaign with a seven-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in Trinidad on Monday.
Ferguson, 33, delivered the most economical spell in T20 World Cup history. Despite his remarkable performance, it was too late for New Zealand, who had already been eliminated after consecutive Group ‘C’ losses to Afghanistan and the West Indies.
Captain Kane Williamson’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as Ferguson’s incredible effort saw PNG dismissed for a meager 78. The veteran bowler made an immediate impact, taking his first wicket with his opening delivery, dismissing PNG captain Assad Vala for six, caught by Daryl Mitchell at a wide first slip.
Ferguson continued his dominance, removing Charles Amini, who top-scored for PNG with 17, via an lbw on review, and clean bowling Chad Soper for one. Supported by Tim Southee, who took 2-11, and Trent Boult, with 2-14, New Zealand restricted PNG to an easily achievable target.
Chasing 79, New Zealand faced early resistance from PNG’s Kabua Morea, who claimed 2-4, including the wicket of opener Finn Allen for a duck. Despite these setbacks, the Black Caps reached 79-3 in 12.2 overs, with Devon Conway scoring 35 and Mitchell and Williamson contributing 19 and 18 not out, respectively.
The match was also notable as it might have marked the end of Trent Boult’s illustrious international career. Boult, 34, has been selectively included in the national team since being released from his central contract in August 2022 to participate in various domestic T20 leagues globally.
Reflecting on his future, Boult expressed uncertainty: “I haven’t thought much further than this. I’m in no position to comment right now. I enjoyed being out there one last time.” Boult, who also played in New Zealand’s 50-over World Cup campaign last year, has been a mainstay in the team’s bowling attack.
Kane Williamson paid tribute to Boult’s contributions: “He’s been a great servant of the game, consistent in all formats. It’ll be sad to see him go. He trains very hard, he’s as fit as he’s ever been, and he knows how to perform well for his country.”
Brief Scores:
- Papua New Guinea: 78 in 19.4 overs (C. Amini 17; L. Ferguson 3-0, T. Southee 2-11, T. Boult 2-14)
- New Zealand: 79-3 in 12.2 overs (D. Conway 35, D. Mitchell 19 not out, K. Williamson 18 not out)
This match highlights Ferguson’s exceptional skill and Boult’s potential swansong, closing New Zealand’s T20 World Cup journey on a high note.