T20 WC 2024, Match 39: New Zealand end their campaign with 7-wicket win over PNG - Cricket Winner

New Zealand ended their 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup journey with a win, albeit one that wasn’t enough to propel them into the Super Eight stage. Despite their early exit, they depart with positives to build upon.

PNG’s Struggle for a Victory

On the other hand, Papua New Guinea bid farewell to the tournament without registering a single win. While they showed glimpses of competitiveness against stronger teams, they couldn’t translate individual performances into victories.

Match Summary

New Zealand wrapped up their campaign with a convincing victory, chasing down PNG’s modest target of 79 runs in just 12.2 overs. Despite losing Finn Allen early, skipper Kane Williamson anchored the innings alongside Daryl Mitchell to secure the win.

Bowling Dominance

Earlier in the game, New Zealand’s bowlers dominated as they restricted PNG to a meager 78 runs. Lockie Ferguson was the standout performer, delivering a spellbinding performance with figures of 3 wickets for no runs in his four overs, an unprecedented feat in T20Is. Supported by Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and the spinners, New Zealand bowled out PNG with clinical efficiency.

PNG’s Batting Struggles

Facing a challenging total, PNG struggled to build partnerships and accelerate the scoring. Despite efforts from Charles Amini and Sese Bau, they couldn’t post a competitive total. Kabua Morea impressed with the ball, but PNG’s inability to set a higher target proved decisive.

While New Zealand will rue their early exit and bid farewell to Trent Boult, who played his final World Cup game, they leave with commendable performances from players like Lockie Ferguson. Papua New Guinea, though winless, leave the tournament with valuable experiences and moments of resilience against stronger opponents.

Most maiden overs bowled in a T20 WC match
4 – AFG (1) vs ENG (3), Colombo, 2012
4 – PAK (2) vs SA (2), Colombo, 2012
4 – BAN (3) vs NEP (1), Kingstown, 2024
4 – NZ (4) vs PNG (0), Tarouba, 2024*

Most consecutive losses in T20 WCs
10 – BAN (2007-12)
7 – PNG (2021-24)*
6 – ZIM (2007-14)
6 – OMAN (2021-24)

Player of the Match

Lockie Ferguson | Player of the Match: Tough wicket to bat on, nice to bowl on a wicket like that. Sad to be leaving today with such high hopes but that’s the game. There’s not many games in T20s where I bowl seam-up all the way through and it was nice to get the win. It’s hard to know what a par total on these sort of wickets. We have bowled well and put teams under pressure, going down against Afghanistan and West Indies cost us but that’s sport and we need to get back again. It’s a party always in the Caribbean and nice to have schoolkids watching on.