In an electrifying show of resilience, New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson spearheaded a dramatic fightback, clinching a stunning hat-trick and breathing life into his team’s defense of a modest 108. Ferguson’s fierce spell against Sri Lanka transformed what initially appeared to be an easy chase into a tense, hard-fought battle, underscoring his skill and composure under pressure.
Ferguson’s hat-trick unfolded over two intense overs. He struck first on the final ball of the sixth over, dismissing Kusal Perera, and followed this up in the eighth over by removing Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka in consecutive deliveries. These swift strikes left the Sri Lankan lineup rattled and completely changed the momentum of the game. This display marked Ferguson’s second standout performance of the year, following his remarkable 3/0 spell against Papua New Guinea at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June.
Earlier in the match, New Zealand struggled to establish any rhythm against a relentless Sri Lankan bowling attack. Wanindu Hasaranga led with a four-wicket haul, while Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara chipped in with three and two wickets, respectively. Their combined efforts skittled New Zealand out for just 108, a score that seemed difficult to defend until Ferguson’s fiery intervention.
Despite the seemingly low target, Ferguson’s early breakthroughs put Sri Lanka on the back foot, reducing them to 34/4 and applying immediate pressure on the remaining batsmen. With Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka dismissed for a duck, the team found themselves in a precarious situation, all thanks to Ferguson’s fierce bowling spell.
This memorable hat-trick placed Ferguson among an elite group of New Zealand bowlers with T20I hat-tricks, including Jacob Oram, Tim Southee, Michael Bracewell, and Matt Henry. Southee notably has two T20I hat-tricks, while Bracewell achieved his in 2022, and Henry joined the ranks in 2023 against Pakistan. Ferguson’s addition to this list further underscores his exceptional skill and importance to the New Zealand lineup.
Ferguson’s achievements in this game highlighted his capability to deliver under immense pressure, especially when defending a low total. His remarkable spell energized the team, helping them regain control in a challenging scenario. Ultimately, Ferguson’s stellar performance illustrated the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and served as a reminder of New Zealand’s tenacity.
This game will surely be remembered as one of Ferguson’s best, showcasing his prowess as a strike bowler and his ability to make an impact even in the most challenging situations.
