Black Caps fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has become the second cricketer to bowl four maidens in a men’s T20I, achieving the rare feat during New Zealand’s T20 World Cup dead rubber against Papua New Guinea on Tuesday morning AEST.
The 33-year-old finished with figures of 3-0 from four overs as New Zealand cruised towards a seven-wicket victory over the associate nation, finishing its disappointing T20 World Cup campaign on a high.
Ferguson, later named player of the match, produced 24 consecutive dot balls during the rain-affected contest at Tarouba’s Brian Lara Stadium, helping bowl out Papua New Guinea for 78 in 19.4 overs.
New Zealand, having already been eliminated from the tournament following defeats against Afghanistan and the West Indies, comfortably chased down the 79-run target with 46 balls remaining.
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“Obviously a tough wicket to bat on, so nice from my point of view to get on a wicket like that,” Ferguson said during the post-match presentation.
“There was some swing, which was nice today too.”
The only other cricketer to not concede any runs during a four-over spell in men’s T20Is was Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar, doing so against Panama in 2021.
New Zealand overpower PNG in T20 finish | 00:31
Most economical spells in Men’s T20 World Cups
3-0 — Lockie Ferguson (NZ) vs PNG, 2024
2-4 — Frank Nsubuga (UGA) vs PNG, 2024
3-4 — Tim Southee (NZ) vs UGA, 2024
4-7 — Anrich Nortje (RSA) vs SL, 2024
4-7 — Tanzim Hasan Sakib (BAN) vs NEP, 2024
Meanwhile, Black Caps veteran Trent Boult claimed 2-14 during what could be the New Zealander’s final international appearance.
Earlier this week, the left-armed quick declared the 2024 T20 World Cup campaign would be his last for the Black Caps, but the 34-year-old, who was released from his central contract two years ago, was uncertain whether he’d represent New Zealand again.
“Gutted to not go any further, but I’m very proud of what I’ve done with the Black Caps and sad it’s my last day with New Zealand,” Boult said.
“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.”