In an unprecedented display of precision and control, New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson delivered a bowling masterclass to help his team dominate Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their T20 World Cup encounter. Ferguson achieved the unthinkable, completing his four-over spell without conceding a single run while taking three crucial wickets, setting a new world record in the format.
Prior to this extraordinary feat, only one men’s bowler had ever bowled a full set of four overs without conceding a run – Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar, who accomplished the milestone against Panama in 2021. Ferguson’s performance not only makes him the second player in history to achieve this, but also the first ever to do so at a T20 World Cup.
The 33-year-old pacer made an immediate impact by striking with his very first delivery, dismissing PNG captain Assad Vala for 6 (16). Ferguson’s immaculate line and length tied up the new batter, allowing him to open his spell with a maiden over during the powerplay. His effectiveness was so pronounced that he was brought back to bowl the first over following the powerplay, where he maintained his stranglehold with yet another maiden.
Returning to the attack for the 12th over, Ferguson continued his impressive performance, claiming the wicket of Charles Amini for 17 (25). He then completed his spell in remarkable fashion by picking up his third wicket in the 14th over, clean-bowling Chad Soper for 1 (6). Ferguson’s final over was his third consecutive wicket-maiden, a rare and historic accomplishment in T20 cricket.
The crowd erupted in celebrations as Ferguson fielded the sixth ball of his fourth over off his own bowling, sealing his exceptional figures of 3/0 from four overs. Teammates and fans alike congratulated him for his phenomenal achievement, which now stands as a benchmark for future performances in T20 World Cup history.
Ferguson’s masterclass not only highlights his exceptional skill and control but also significantly contributed to New Zealand’s dominance in the match against PNG. His spell effectively stifled the PNG batting lineup, restricting their ability to build any momentum and ensuring a comfortable victory for the Kiwis.
This historic performance by Ferguson will be remembered as one of the finest bowling displays in T20 cricket, showcasing the impact a bowler can have in the shortest format of the game. As the tournament progresses, Ferguson’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire bowlers worldwide to aim for similar levels of precision and excellence.
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