The final group stage clash of New Zealand (Kiwis) in the T20 World Cup against Papua New Guinea turned into a stage for Lockie Ferguson’s farewell act. New Zealand (kiwis) ended the World Cup campaign with an easy 7 wickets win over PNG.
Pitch And Toss Factor
Scoring runs is challenging due to the sluggish wicket on Brian Lara Stadium pitch. 146 is the average first innings score in seven T20Is. Of these four games have been won by the team batting first while three have been won by the team chasing.
New Zealand winning the toss elected to field first to restrict PNG to a defendable total.
PNG’s Batting Woes Continue
In a tough match against New Zealand, the batting lineup of Papua New Guinea faced significant challenges. Charles Amini scored 17 runs with Norman Vanua also making 14. Sese Bau added 12 runs but PNG could only manage a total of 78 runs.
![PNG Batting. PC: ESPNCRICINFO](https://goworldwide.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-18-082956-1024x568.png)
New Zealand (Kiwis) Bowlers Too Strong for PNG Lineup
New Zealand bowlers performed well against PNG by keeping the runs low and taking crucial wickets. Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Ish Sodhi each took two wickets, but the standout performer was Lockie Ferguson taking three wickets without giving up any runs in his four overs. PNG batting lineup crumbled in front of a strong bowling.
![New Zealand (Kiwis) Bowling PC: ESPNCRICINFO](https://goworldwide.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-18-083734-1024x226.png)
New Zealand (Kiwis) Dons The Chase
New Zealand batting lineup showed strength against PNG by chasing the target with ease. Devon Conway led the charge by scoring 35 runs supported by Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell scoring unbeaten 18 and 19 runs. Their solid performance ensured a comfortable win.
![New Zealand (Kiwis) Batting PC: ESPNCRICINFO](https://goworldwide.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-18-084403-1024x339.png)
PNG Bowling Falls short
Although there was not much to defend for PNG bowlers, they tried their best to stall the chase to the 12 over. Kabua Morea got break through with 2 wickets along with Swmo Kamea taking one wicket but it was not enough in front of New Zealand’s giant batting bonanza.
![PNG Bowling. PC: ESPNCRICINFO](https://goworldwide.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-18-084927-1024x294.png)
What’s Ahead?
Even though New Zealand got a dominant victory against PNG, the race for Super 8s is over for both the teams from Group C.
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