New Zealand failed to qualify for the Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2024 but Lockie Ferguson bowled a spell that will be remembered for years to come despite a minnow opposition. Ferguson did not concede a single run as he bowled four maidens in a row. He became the first bowler in T20 World Cup history to not concede a run in an innings after bowling four overs. In addition, he took three wickets against Papua New Guinea. After New Zealand’s comprehensive win over PNG, Ferguson felt good to be bowling on pitches which assist the bowlers as he went for plenty in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
"Yeah, no, no runs today. But yeah, look, obviously a tough wicket to bat on. So I guess from my point of view, coming from the, IPL, where there were a lot of runs being scored. It's nice to have a wicket like that for a change," Ferguson said in a video posted by the ICC on their social media.
"It was just one of those days, I think you sort of have them from time to time, but as I said, the wicket was not easy to bat on. You could see when our boys went on it as well. So I guess from a bowling point of view, nice to be able to bowl on wickets like that. But I can't see it happen too many times."
Ferguson’s numbers in IPL 2024
Ferguson played seven matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2024. He conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.63 runs per over even though he had nine wickets to his name.
Gutted after early exit, Ferguson lauds Boult
The 33-year-old pacer is disappointed as New Zealand could not make it past the group stage. He praised left-arm pacer Trent Boult who played his last T20 World Cup.
"Look, I, I love playing for New Zealand. I'm just really gutted. We sort of got knocked out the way we did. But at the same time, really enjoyed playing with this group of guys, obviously Boulty with his last game today. It's going to be sad, not having him with the group. But, you know, it's been an incredible career and certainly been nice to sort of follow him in every game. So, I wish him all the best.," Ferguson added.
"It's a tough one, I think. Now we're sort of going, uh, apart as a team for a few months. So, naturally, you're gonna miss your good mates, um, and look forward to, I guess, touching base later in the year."
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