Lockie Ferguson returns home: South Africa stormed New Zealand while chasing 176 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The Proteas achieved the target with 7 wickets in hand and 17 balls remaining. Aiden Markram laid the foundation of the chase as South Africa became the first team to book their place in the Super 8 with the win.
After the match, Kiwi fast bowler Lockie Ferguson returned home. The speedster headed back home for the birth of his and his wife Emma’s first child. His departure means that the bowler will not be available for the Kiwis’ final match against Canada. Ferguson has been one of the best bowlers for the Black Caps in the limited overs format.
Lockie Ferguson returns home on parental leave
Head coach Rob Walter was supportive of Ferguson’s departure. She added, “This is an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma, and we’re delighted he’ll be at home for such a special occasion.”
The Kiwis will not be replacing Lockie Ferguson, who took a wicket against the Proteas last night. Ben Sears and Cole McConchie, who are traveling reserves for the team, could be included in the squad for the final game against Canada.
The head coach added, “At this stage, we will not be replacing Lockie in the squad as the plan will be for him to return for the Super 8 stage of the tournament. But our traveling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called into the squad if required.”
Lockie Ferguson’s performance in the World Cup was not good
Lockie Ferguson has taken four wickets in the competitions so far. He has not been at his best as he has also scored runs. He has gone for an economy of around 9.67, so Kiwi death bowling and bowling in the middle overs has been a matter of concern for him. They would like to make a comeback after the defeat.
New Zealand will take on Canada in their final match on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In the last game against UAE, the Kiwi team made a record by chasing 175 runs. This became the highest run chase without losing a wicket in a T20 World Cup match.
New Zealand’s batsmen top the charts
The team’s two opening batsmen, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, are in excellent form. The former player is currently the leading run scorer in the competition with 167 runs, has scored two fifties and averages 83.50. Whereas Allen is in the top 10 list after scoring 116 runs with an average of 58.00 and one half-century.
The Kiwis will be looking to finish big in their final game on Tuesday. In the previous edition of the competition, they were eliminated in the group stage itself. The Black Caps have been a strong team and will be looking to make the last four of the competition.
The bowlers have not been tested until the Proteas challenge; The team’s bowling unit needs to step up big in the upcoming games, as they will need to perform against strong opponents in the Super 8s and semi-finals.
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