New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by delivering the best figures in the history of Men’s T20 International cricket during a match against Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Lockie Ferguson: The Bowler

Lockie Ferguson, renowned for his express pace and lethal accuracy, has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s bowling attack. His career has been marked by several notable performances, but his recent feat in the T20 World Cup has set a new benchmark. Ferguson’s ability to consistently deliver under pressure has earned him a reputation as one of the most formidable bowlers in the T20 format.

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The Historic Spell

Ferguson’s historic spell consisted of four overs bowled without conceding a single run, culminating in figures of 3/0. This remarkable achievement made him the first bowler in T20 World Cup history to deliver a complete four-over spell as maidens. Key moments included critical wickets that dismantled PNG’s batting lineup, highlighting Ferguson’s precision and control.

Comparison to Other Bowling Feats

While several bowlers have delivered impressive performances in T20 cricket, Ferguson’s achievement stands out due to its unique nature. Only one other bowler, Canada’s Saad Bin Zafar, had previously bowled a full set of four overs without conceding a run in a T20 International. However, Ferguson is the first to accomplish this in a T20 World Cup, adding to the prestige of his record.

Most economical 4-over spells in T20Is
2/0 (4) – Saad Bin Zafar (CAN) vs Panama, Coolidge, 2021
3/0 (4) – Lockie Ferguson (NZ) vs PNG, Tarouba, 2024*

Most economical 4-over spells in Men’s T20 WC
3/0 – Lockie Ferguson (NZ) vs PNG, Tarouba, 2024*
3/4 – Tim Southee (NZ) vs UGA, Tarouba, 2024
2/4 – Frank Nsubuga (UGA) vs PNG, Guyana, 2024
4/7 – Anrich Nortje (SA) vs SL, New York, 2024
2/7 – Trent Boult (NZ) vs UGA, Tarouba, 2024

Ferguson’s Technique and Strategy

Ferguson’s bowling style combines raw pace with pinpoint accuracy, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman. In this match, his strategy involved maintaining a consistent line and length, which pressured the PNG batsmen into making errors. His ability to mix deliveries and keep the batters guessing was crucial to his success.