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    New Zealand Clinches Victory Over PNG in Final Group Match of the 2024 T20 World Cup
New Zealand Clinches Victory Over PNG in Final Group Match of the 2024 T20 World Cup
New Zealand. Source: hindustantimes.com

New Zealand Clinches Victory Over PNG in Final Group Match of the 2024 T20 World Cup

New Zealand capped off their 2024 T20 World Cup group stage with a resounding seven-wicket win against Papua New Guinea (PNG). The standout performance came from Lockie Ferguson, whose economical and lethal spell of 3 for 0 set the stage for PNG’s collapse to 78 all out. New Zealand chased down the target in just 12.2 overs, finishing their campaign on a high note despite the match’s lack of significance for the tournament standings.

Key Moments and Statistics from the Match

Ferguson's Dominant Spell

Lockie Ferguson made a notable impact by becoming only the second bowler in T20I history to bowl 24 dot balls in an innings. Introduced in the fifth over, he exploited the tight bowling by New Zealand's new-ball pair in favourable conditions, capturing three crucial wickets without conceding a run. His precise bowling during the middle overs dismantled any momentum PNG had built, leading to their downfall with a dramatic 8 for 37 collapse.

Early Setbacks for PNG

The start of the match was delayed by rain, which seemed to work to New Zealand's advantage. Tim Southee and Ferguson quickly put PNG on the back foot, limiting them to their lowest Power play score ever in T20Is—16/2. Tony Ura fell to a mistimed swing, and Ferguson claimed Assad Vala’s wicket with his first ball, reducing PNG to a precarious position early on.

Middle Overs Strangle by Ferguson

Continuing his superb form, Ferguson returned to take down both set batsmen, maintaining his clean sheet with no runs conceded. While spin offered PNG a brief respite, Ferguson's return tightened the noose, halting their progress completely.

Tail End Cleared by Boult and Sodhi

Trent Boult, playing possibly his last World Cup game, re-entered the attack in the 16th over to remove Hiri Hiri, who had just found the boundary. Boult concluded his spell with figures of 2-14, claiming Norman Vanua's wicket with a deceptive knuckleball. Ish Sodhi, despite an expensive over, cleaned up the tailenders in the final over, limiting PNG to a meagre 78.

New Zealand’s Chase

-Early Losses: Chasing a modest target of 79, New Zealand didn’t have an easy start. Finn Allen, attempting to capitalise on a wide delivery, edged behind the keeper, marking his second dismissal by a left-arm pacer in this World Cup. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra struggled to find their rhythm initially, with Conway managing to break the shackles with a six off Alei Nao. However, Ravindra's attempt to replicate Conway’s big hit led to his dismissal soon after.

-Steadying the Ship: Despite the early wickets, New Zealand cruised towards victory with Conway anchoring the innings. After a slow start, he accelerated by hitting Chad Soper for a four and a six in the ninth over but was soon trapped lbw by Semo Kamea. With the score past 50, Daryl Mitchell took his time to settle in before striking three boundaries in the 12th over, ensuring New Zealand crossed the finish line without further hiccups.

Brief Scores

- Papua New Guinea: 78 all out in 19.4 overs (Lockie Ferguson 3-0, Tim Southee 2-11)

- New Zealand: 79/3 in 12.2 overs (Devon Conway 35; Kabua Morea 2-4)

- Result: New Zealand won by 7 wickets

New Zealand's comprehensive win against PNG highlighted their dominant bowling performance, especially Ferguson’s remarkable spell, and wrapped up their group stage with a confident finish.

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