In an ODI against Pakistan in Dubai in 2018, Lockie delivered his best bowling performance to date, with figures of 5/45 and an economy of 4.50
New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson celebrates his 33rd birthday today. Since making his international debut in 2016, Ferguson has quickly cemented his place in the New Zealand side. His rapid rise in the cricketing world was a testament to his skill and dedication. Despite being injury-prone, Ferguson's determination to consistently breach the 150-kmph mark has never wavered, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the sport.
As New Zealand's speedster celebrates his 33rd birthday, it's time to revisit four of his most outstanding performances in ODIs.
In an ODI against Pakistan in Dubai in 2018, Lockie delivered his best bowling performance to date, with figures of 5/45 and an economy of 4.50. Pakistan set a target of 279, but Ferguson's pace and accuracy dismantled their batting lineup, securing a crucial win for New Zealand before rain halted the match. His spell included dismissing Mohammad Hafeez with a short ball that led to a hit wicket, removing Haris Sohail with a slower ball, and taking critical wickets of Faheem Ashraf, Asif Ali, and Hasan Ali in the 49th over.
Ferguson's prowess shone brightly at the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, where his aggressive pace and bounce earned him 21 wickets at under 20 runs apiece and an economy rate of 4.88, ranking him the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. In a pivotal clash against Afghanistan, his bowling figures of 4/37 with an economy of 4.03 in 9.1 overs were instrumental in restricting Afghanistan to 172, a target comfortably chased by New Zealand. Highlights of his spell included dismissing Noor Ali Zadran with a delivery on the hips, removing Rashid Khan with a skiddy ball that bounced into his helmet and onto the stumps, ending Aftab Alam's innings with a short ball that resulted in a top-edge catch taken by Latham, and taking the final wicket of Hashmatullah Shahidi with a catch by Henry at third man.
Lockie Ferguson and Martin Guptill celebrated with exuberance after dismissing Thisara Perera during Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand
During Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand in January, Lockie showcased his bowling prowess again in the 3rd ODI, claiming a magnificent 4-wicket haul. Initially, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 364 runs, with Ross Taylor leading the charge with a scintillating 137 off 131 balls. Sri Lanka's chase faltered, and they were bowled out for 249 in 41.4 overs. Ferguson starred with the ball, taking 4/40 at an economy of 5.00. Critical moments of his spell included dismissing Kusal Perera caught behind with a delivery speared into the channel, a stunning one-handed catch by Guptill to remove Thisara Perera, an easy catch at cover to dismiss Chameera Chameera, and the clean-bowled dismissal of Danushka Gunathilaka with a rapid delivery at the middle stump.
Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson shared a brief chat on the field.
A year after Lockie's debut, New Zealand secured a resounding victory in the 2nd ODI against the West Indies in Christchurch. They posted a formidable total of 325/6, and the West Indies faltered, managing only 121 runs before being bowled out in the 28th over, resulting in a comprehensive 204-run win for New Zealand. Ferguson played a pivotal role in this victory, with bowling figures of 3/17 in his four overs, showcasing his raw pace and deadly accuracy with an economy of 4.25. His spell included bouncing out Jason Mohammed with a ripper of a bouncer, castling Rovman Powell with a lethal yorker, and inducing a top edge from Jason Holder with a short ball.
