New Zealand received a 7-wicket shellacking from South Africa in a superb T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match. The bowlers were thrashed to all the parts of the Narendra Modi Stadium. In fact, chasing 172, the Proteas were 62 for none. However, Lockie Ferguson gave New Zealand some hope when he rattled Quinton de Kock with a superb change of pace. However, Ferguson won’t be there in the next must-win clash for the Kiwis as he heads back home.
The news is a celebratory one for the Ferguson family, as the tearaway pacer and his wife, Emma Ferguson, are set to welcome a new member into their life. The couple, who got married on February 2 two years ago, will be blessed with a newborn for the first time in their life. Hence, the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has granted Lockie a parental leave. New Zealand face Canada in their last group stage match on February
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for Lockie and Emma and we’re pleased that he’ll be at home for such a special occasion,” said New Zealand head coach Rob Walter, supporting Ferguson’s leave. However, the 34-year-old won’t be replaced by any other pacer as of yet as the plan for Lockie is to comeback
“At this stage, we won’t be replacing Lockie in the squad, as the plan would be for him to return for the Super 8 phase of the tournament. But our travelling reserves Ben Sears and Cole McConchie are ready to be called into the squad should we need them.”
Ferguson to play key part in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup
For now, Ferguson will miss the New Zealand vs Canada game. In that game on February 17 in Chennai, Kyle Jamieson will most likely replace Ferguson. However, the Kiwis are expected to sweep across Canada to qualify to Super 8s. However, Ferguson will be extremely important for Super 8 matches for the Kiwis.
Not many 150kmph pacers show incredible T20 bowling abilities but Ferguson has them, having picked 70 wickets in 47 T20Is at an incredible bowling SR of 14.4. He remains a key figure even though New Zealand play all their Super 8 matches in Sri Lanka.
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