In a spectacular display of pace and precision, New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson delivered a historic performance in the ICC T20 World Cup, returning unheard-of bowling figures of 4-4-0-3 against Papua New Guinea.
The match, held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, saw Ferguson bowl his full quota of four overs without conceding a single run, while also claiming three wickets, setting a new record for the most economical bowling spell in T20 World Cup history.
Ferguson’s figures surpassed the previous record held by Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Kulasekara, who had taken 1-2 in two overs against the Netherlands in 2014.
“It was one of those days where everything clicked. I’m thrilled to contribute to the team in such a unique way,” Ferguson said after the match.
- Ferguson’s spell: 4 overs, 3 wickets, 0 runs
- Papua New Guinea total: 78 all out
- Previous economy record: Nuwan Kulasekara (1-2 in 2 overs, 2014)
- Best ever T20 WC bowling figures: Ajantha Mendis (6-8 vs Zimbabwe, 2012)
Ferguson entered the attack in the fifth over with PNG struggling at 14-1. His blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy dismantled the middle order of the associate nation, giving them no room to build momentum.
This spell not only helped New Zealand dominate the Group C encounter but also etched Ferguson’s name into cricket history as the bowler with the most economical spell in T20 World Cup history.
New Zealand’s dominant performance further boosts their confidence as they chase a deep run in the tournament, with Ferguson’s record-setting feat serving as a defining moment of this edition of the World Cup.
