We've just witnessed something extraordinary on the cricket field! New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson delivered an unforgettable performance against Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Bowling four consecutive maiden overs, Ferguson achieved a record-breaking feat—three wickets for zero runs, making it the most economical spell in men's T20 history.

How Ferguson Dominated PNG's Batting Lineup

As we watched the game unfold at Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad, Ferguson took charge after veteran bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee opened the attack. The moment Ferguson stepped up, he made an instant impact. On his very first delivery, he dismissed Asad Vala, PNG's captain, who edged the ball straight into the slip cordon.

Ferguson's dominance continued as he broke a crucial 27-run partnership by removing Charles Amini, who had looked promising with his 17 runs off 25 balls. His next victim was Chad Soper, whose stumps were shattered, leaving PNG struggling at the crease.

The Most Economical Spell in T20 Cricket

With this stunning performance, Ferguson surpassed every bowler in T20 history. Here's a look at the most economical spells ever recorded in men's T20 internationals:

• Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand, 2024) – 4 overs, 3 wickets, 0 runs vs PNG

• Saad Bin Zafar (Canada, 2021) – 4 overs, 2 wickets, 0 runs vs Panama

• Nuwan Kulasekara (Sri Lanka, 2014) – 2 overs, 1 wicket, 0 runs vs Netherlands

Ferguson's unmatched accuracy and consistency made this performance even more remarkable. He not only restricted PNG's run flow but also completely shattered their batting confidence.

New Zealand's Bowlers Dominate PNG

While Ferguson stole the show, he wasn't alone in dismantling PNG's batting lineup. Boult and Southee, two of New Zealand's most experienced pacers, also left their mark. Boult, playing his final T20 World Cup match, delivered a tight spell, conceding just 14 runs in 4 overs while picking up 2 wickets. Southee also claimed 2 wickets, keeping the pressure on PNG throughout the innings.

With additional support from Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner, who shared 3 more wickets, PNG could not recover and were bundled out for just 78 runs.

New Zealand's Fighting Spirit Despite Early Exit

Although New Zealand had already faced an early exit from the tournament due to losses against West Indies and Afghanistan, this performance was a statement of resilience. The team came out determined to end their campaign on a high note, and Ferguson's record-breaking spell made sure they did.

This incredible moment reminded us why cricket is such an unpredictable and thrilling sport. What do you think of Ferguson's historic spell? Can anyone break this record in the future?