‘Nice To Get Three Wins…’ Lockie Ferguson After Big NZ Win Over BAN In 2023 World Cup
New Zealand speed veteran Lockie Ferguson snared three wickets and a ‘Player of the Match’ award from his side’s World Cup 2023 faceoff against Bangladesh in Chennai. The ‘Kiwi’ quick dismantled Bangladesh’s top-order before breaking up a brewing partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in the middle overs.
After the match, the 32-year-old praised new-ball bowlers for providing his side their early breakthroughs and hailed complete team effort for their comprehensive win.
Lockie Ferguson speaks on team’s third win in succession
Lockie Ferguson was appointed as the first bowling change of the match by captain Kane Williamson, and the speedster took little time to make an impact. After dismissing Bangladesh’s well-set opener Tanzid Hasan, he trapped number three Mehidy Hasan Miraz with a short ball just a couple of overs later into his spell.
After New Zealand conquered Bangladesh’s 245-run total with time and wickets to spare, Ferguson praised the team’s collective effort and signified new-ball bowlers’ role for their early breakthroughs. The cricketer also highlighted that the surface provided more bounce than what they had received back in Hyderabad during their initial World Cup 2023 crusade.
“It was a classic team effort from the Black Caps. Everyone bowled really, created pressure throughout and then I could come in and do my role. Compared to what we had in Hyderabad this had more bounce, I tried to test it out early and if it is working then stick to it, I pushed them back and then bowled the full ball.”
Lockie Ferguson also exalted team’s third successive win of the tournament, and hoped that the Chennai surface will offer similar playing conditions for New Zealand’s next match against Afghanistan.
"It is early stages but nice to get three wins. We are enjoying our time and the group is being great back together, looking forward to the next game. Fortunately, I have got that experience (of travelling across India), I haven't played here much but it's nice to get around and see some pace in the wicket, playing Afghanistan here next and hopefully the same wicket."
New Zealand will now face Afghanistan on October 18 for their subsequent World Cup 2023 challenge. The much-awaited contest will also be hosted by the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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